Governance and Human Rights / Civil Society / Discussion: One year later – the affects of the 2025 HIV funding cuts

Discussion: One year later – the affects of the 2025 HIV funding cuts

Governance and Human Rights
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3 February

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) invites you to attend a panel discussion titled, One year later – the affects of the 2025 HIV funding cuts a conversation exploring the impact of the 2025 funding withdrawal for the HIV response, especially for at risk and LGBTQIA+ communities. The panel will consist of leading experts in the field, both within health research and operating directly on the ground with affected groups.

  • Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026
  • Time: 16:00 to 17:30
  • Venue: Dibukafé, 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
  • RSVP here

The panel will be chaired by Keval Harie, Director of The Gay and Lesbian Archive (GALA), with the following speakers:

  • Dr Nkosiphile Ndlovu: the Principal Investigator at Wits RHI and one of the leading scientists doing groundbreaking work in HIV prevention and cure research.
  • Jean Spiri: Director of IFAS and previous director of Crips Ile-de-France, a recognised regional organisation in France dedicated to youth health, sexual education, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
  • Lunga Sithole: A linkage office at OUT LGBT-wellbeing who play a significant role in significant LGBT+ rights campaigns, major legal victories, and ground-breaking research.
  • Luiz de Barros: Creator and owner of South Africa’s longest running and leading LGBTQ news and lifestyle platform.
  • Mmakobo Gaegake, Johannesburg Health District : HAST Deputy Director and manager of the new Dedicated Wellness Centre for LGBTQIA+ Community and Sex Workers in the city of Johannesburg.

The discussion will also be the formal closing of the ‘KEEP THE PROMISE’ exhibition, a partnership between Crips Ile-de-France and GALA displaying historic and contemporary HIV/AIDS activist materials from SA and France, closely linked to queer and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Download the event invitation here.

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