South Africa Built a Medical Research Powerhouse. Trump Cuts Have Demolished It.

South Africa had developed a world-class medical research infrastructure, particularly in HIV/AIDS and TB, thanks to decades of investment and global partnerships. But recent funding cuts by the Trump administration—slashing nearly $50 million from critical programs—have gutted key projects, shuttered labs, and left scientists scrambling. The damage could set back public health progress not just in South Africa but across the continent.