JOHANNESBURG - The Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has raised concerns about South Africa’s growing debt burden.
South Africa’s national debt stands at around R6.1-trillion.
Servicing that debt alone -- excluding repayments on the principal amount -- costs about R430-billion a year.
READ: Health experts celebrate Lenacapavir rollout as HIV game-changer
That is more than the country spends on health and basic education combined.
AHF argues that more money could be directed towards clinics, schools, social grants and infrastructure if the debt burden were reduced.
The organisation has launched its Freedom from Debt campaign, calling for reforms to the global financial system.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health says the strong uptake of Lenacapavir is an encouraging sign that communities are embracing the groundbreaking HIV prevention drug.
The twice-yearly injection is expected to strengthen efforts to reduce new HIV infections. More than 16,000 people have received the injection since its rollout.