If the government does not urgently intervene to save South Africa’s treatment programmes, HIV infections could increase by 565 000 in the next decade and an extra 600 000 people could die during this time. This is the expected effect of the US’s decision to halt funding for HIV/AIDS programmes, according to the latest issue of the South African Medica Journal. Government has denied dragging its feet to intervene since the crisis emerged in January, and says its announcement on this matter will come within days. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was joined by Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO of Desmond Tutu Health Foundation.