South Africa’s health research sector is under severe threat following the termination of major US funding streams, particularly from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The move forms part of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut federal spending and end support for programmes focused on diversity, LGBTQ+ populations, and global equity — areas central to HIV and public health research in South Africa.
South African researchers were among the largest recipients of NIH funding globally, receiving an estimated R3 billion annually — more than the SAMRC’s total government allocation. The SAMRC’s Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi confirmed that major universities like Wits, UCT, and Stellenbosch could each lose over R200 million, while key research units face tens of millions in cuts.
The cuts follow a 7 February executive order from Trump ending aid to South Africa due to land expropriation laws and its ICJ case against Israel.
In response, the SAMRC has launched a coordinated fundraising campaign, engaging government and international philanthropies to protect vulnerable researchers, postgraduate students, and clinical trial participants. Ntusi warned that without urgent support, South Africa risks losing its global leadership in health research.
