Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid for 90 days has caused a severe healthcare crisis in South Africa, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The suspension of U.S. funding, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has led to the closure of several healthcare clinics and put millions of HIV-positive individuals at risk.
Since 2003, PEPFAR has contributed over R8 billion to South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
The sudden funding halt has forced clinics to shut down, including the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute’s Trans Health Centre and the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health in Cape Town.
Many patients now struggle to find alternative healthcare facilities, increasing concerns over rising infection rates and treatment interruptions
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Nelly Zulu, an HIV activist in Soweto, expressed her distress over the crisis, saying, “We fought hard for this treatment. Now, we are going back to the struggle.”
She emphasized the dangers for pregnant women, fearing that without access to ARVs, mother-to-child transmission rates would rise again
The crisis has also resulted in mass layoffs of healthcare workers, with an estimated 20,000 jobs lost. Vulnerable groups, including sex workers and LGBTQ+ individuals, have been particularly affected, as they relied on specialized clinics that have now been forced to close
Ambrose, a healthcare worker at a transgender clinic, noted the widespread anxiety among patients. “People are crying; they want to be assisted,” he said, adding that many do not know where to turn for help.
Despite the South African government’s assurance that only 17% of its HIV/AIDS funding comes from PEPFAR, the halt has already led to widespread disruptions, with clinics closing and patients left searching for alternative
The South African government is assessing the situation, with officials discussing contingency plans to support affected individuals. However, experts warn that without immediate action, the country’s progress in fighting HIV/AIDS could be reversed
