Lesotho’s HIV crisis deepens amid US aid cuts, as patients turn to traditional healers
A sharp cut in United States aid has left many HIV-positive people in Lesotho turning to traditional medicine.
In February 2025, US President Donald Trump’s administration froze the majority of its funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
This programme has pumped over $850 million (R16.7 billion) into Lesotho’s HIV response since 2016.
ALSO READ: Health department engages NGOs after US freezes HIV/Aids funding
Desperate turn to ancestral healing
On Tuesday, AFP reported that the funding cuts have left patients fearing for their lives and turning to ancestral healing.
Speaking to the news agency, registered traditional healer Lieketseng Lucia Tjatji said she provides herbal treatments to patients with reduced antiretrovirals (ARVs).
“I have helped people. More and more are coming.”
However, Tjatji urges those on ARVs not to mix their medicines with anything not clinically tested.
“My biggest fear is TB. I’m hoping Lesotho will step in and find a way to help us — maybe even make our pills,” she said.
ALSO READ: Groundbreaking HIV trial shows patients can control virus without ART
Shortages, misinformation, and spiritual recourse
According to United Nations aid, by mid-March, only 28% of PEPFAR support had resumed in Lesotho.
Nearly half of previously funded programmes, including PrEP and male circumcision, had been shut down.
The Guardian reported in March that PEPFAR has been instrumental in saving lives and reducing HIV-related deaths across sub-Saharan Africa and that the cuts could destabilise progress in countries like Lesotho.
“If people with HIV stop the medications, then not only do they get sick themselves, which is tragic, but they also then become infectious to others,” Prof Sharon Lewin told the publication .
ALSO READ: Trump terminates over 300 HIV and TB research grants, appeals possible
ARV therapy remains effective
Lesotho Health Minister Selibe Mochoboroane admitted the country’s new R2.4 billion health budget makes no provision for covering gaps left by the American withdrawal.
Furthermore, the director of the African National Healers Association, Mpho Roberta Masondo, told AFP that traditional medicine is rooted in community well-being.
“Traditional medicine plays a vital role in holistic health and community well-being,” Masondo said.
However, she warned, “Antiretroviral therapy remains the most effective way to suppress HIV.”
NOW READ: WATCH: Ramaphosa describes US funding cut to SA as a ‘wake-up call’, says ‘it’s their money’
