The Department of Health will hold a consultative meeting this week with various organisations affected by the US government’s decision to freeze and cut funding for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) response programmes.
This follows the announcement of significant cuts to foreign aid by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Previously, the United States government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) funded several NGOs in South Africa. These organisations supported provincial health departments in HIV testing and treatment administration.
While the government provided the medication, Pepfar covered the salaries of key health workers, including nurses, pharmacists, data clerks, and community health workers, who were responsible for administering medication and offering patient support.
The Department of Health stated that the purpose of the meeting with non-government organisations (NGOs) is to gain direct feedback on how the funding cuts have affected them, enabling the government to make informed decisions on the necessary interventions.
“The department appreciates the valuable contributions made by these organisations in tackling HIV/AIDS and TB in South Africa. We remain committed to collaborating with them to design short- to long-term solutions,” said a department spokesperson.
The department has also encouraged individuals living with HIV, who were receiving treatment at sites funded by the US government through USAID and Pepfar, to continue their care at nearby public health facilities.
“South Africans are encouraged to undergo regular health screenings and testing to stay informed about their health status and take necessary prevention measures to safeguard themselves and their families,” the department advised.
The department has already communicated with provinces to ensure that necessary arrangements are in place to accommodate new patients in the treatment programmes, in line with standard operating guidelines.