The US government's sudden decision to axe funding for HIV programmes is a "wake-up call" for South Africa, the country's health minister has told the BBC.

NAIROBI - Health professionals, experts and activists have expressed concern over funding cuts to chronic medication for HIV/AIDS treatment. They say the decision could undo over 25 years of progress in the fight against the epidemic.

The US government's sudden decision to axe funding for HIV programmes is a "wake-up call" for South Africa, the country's health minister has told the BBC. Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, responding to US termination notices issued late on Wednesday,

The head of a HIV foundation in South Africa has warned that US funding cuts could lead to half a million deaths and as many new HIV infections over 10 years.