USAID suspension hits SA as clinics halt services
The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to reevaluate foreign aid programmes has already had an impact on voluntary health services in South Africa.
The executive order temporarily suspends foreign assistance for 90 days to review its alignment with the new administration’s "America First" policy.
This review affects the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a critical partner for South Africa’s health programmes.
Some non-governmental organisations working on HIV/AIDS programmes across the country have already announced the decision to suspend services due to funding cuts.
They are waiting for the U.S. government to clarify whether their funding is secure.
The NGOs rely on the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), the biggest foreign donor to SA’s HIV/AIDS programmes, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest funder of HIV/AIDS research in SA.
Engage Men's Health, a clinic that offers free and confidential sexual health services to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, has suspended service due to a “stop-work order” by funders.
"We understand the urgency of your health needs and urge clients to seek care and access ARVs or PrEP at their nearest public health facility or healthcare provider,” the clinic said in a statement on Monday.
“For PEP (following potential HIV exposure), please visit your local clinic or consult a pharmacist within 72 hours.
“We deeply value our clients and remain committed to safeguarding your health. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disruption this may cause. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide further details at this time," it added.
Similarly, the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), a leading research organisation focusing on HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccine-preventable diseases, has announced the closure of its clinic until further notice.
Other clinics funded through USAID include Anova Health Institute, Thuthuzela Care Centres, and the South African Medical Research Council.
These clinics offer free HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV, sexual health education and prevention services, including condom distribution and PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis),
The Thuthuzela Care Centres also provide comprehensive support for survivors of sexual assault, forensic medical exams to gather evidence for legal cases, counselling and psychosocial support, legal advice and assistance in reporting assault cases.
The South African Medical Research Council also offers HIV vaccine research and development and clinical trials for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
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