Pretoria, March 6 – South Africa’s Department of Health has begun urgent consultations with organisations affected by the United States government’s decision to halt donor funding for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) programmes. The move follows a policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has resulted in the withdrawal of financial support from key health initiatives.
The department has initiated discussions to assess the impact of the funding cuts and develop strategies to mitigate the consequences for affected patients.
Impact on Patients and Healthcare Facilities
According to health officials, patients receiving HIV and TB treatment from private health facilities will be the most affected. The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID-funded programmes have been instrumental in providing free treatment and support services for many South Africans living with HIV and TB.
Government’s Response and Call to Action
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Moahle confirmed that the government is working closely with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure continuity of care.
“All people living with HIV who were receiving their life-saving treatment from sites and centres funded by the US government, through USAID and PEPFAR, are urged to continue their treatment journey at the nearest public health facilities,” Moahle said.
The department has issued directives to provincial health offices to accommodate displaced patients and prevent any disruptions in their treatment plans.
Concerns from Health Experts
Health experts have warned that the permanent withdrawal of USAID grants in South Africa could have severe consequences in the fight against HIV and TB. The funding cuts threaten access to essential medications, diagnostic services, and community health initiatives, potentially increasing infection rates and treatment interruptions.
The Department of Health has assured the public that it is working on alternative funding mechanisms and long-term strategies to minimise the impact of these cuts. The government continues to encourage affected individuals to seek assistance at public healthcare facilities to ensure their treatment remains uninterrupted.