In a shocking turn of events, South Africa's battle against HIV is facing unprecedented challenges, and yet, the government continues to present an image of control. With recent cuts to funding—most notably from the Trump administration—the fallout is clearer than ever.

Health workers, researchers, and advocacy groups are speaking out against the government's misleading narrative. They highlight a significant decline in HIV testing, the troubling dismissal of frontline workers, and the closure of clinics that serve the most vulnerable populations, including transgender individuals, sex workers, and drug users.

The South African Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, has been accused of living in denial, refusing to recognize the true extent of the crisis. His recent comments in parliament dismissed criticisms as unfounded, likening them to damaging narratives from groups known for perpetuating apartheid.

Yet many, including activists and community leaders, are determined to push back against this dangerous denialism. They argue that simply hoping for the best or holding press briefings will not resolve the deep, systemic issues affecting HIV care.

This crisis evokes memories of the dark days of AIDS denialism under then-president Thabo Mbeki, where scientific evidence was ignored and countless lives were lost. The state’s gaslighting of affected families is a haunting memory that many are unwilling to relive.

As voices of dissent are once again being silenced and compared to extremist factions, it becomes clear that South Africa must confront its troubling past. The lessons of history echo: advocacy is essential, and complacency is dangerous.

Now, more than ever, an urgent call to action is necessary. The president must not only recognize the loss of crucial funding but also take immediate steps to form a national task force that includes civil society and impacted communities. This is not merely an issue of funding—it's about governance and leadership accountability.

To safeguard the hard-earned progress of the HIV movement, the time for complacency has passed. South Africa must embrace urgency and transparency, acknowledging that the real collapse lies not in the health system itself, but in the political courage to address the truth head-on.