Inside government’s confused response to the US funding crisis

Inside government’s confused response to the US funding crisis

In late-January, the US suspended billions of dollars worth of international aid, including for HIV-related programmes in South Africa. The South African government could have responded by triggering an emergency funding mechanism but has failed to do so yet. In the meantime, activists, health researchers and even technical advisors to government are growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s lack of transparency on this issue.

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US funding cuts could cause over 150 000 additional HIV infections in SA by 2028 – new study

US funding cuts could cause over 150 000 additional HIV infections in SA by 2028 – new study

Top local researchers estimate that the cancellation of funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief could lead to a significant increase in HIV infections and deaths in South Africa. Jesse Copelyn reports.

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Shut doors, unmet needs: The strain of hospital closures on two North West communities

Shut doors, unmet needs: The strain of hospital closures on two North West communities

People who live near Thusong District Hospital, which closed in 2022, and the Christiana District Hospital, which was destroyed by fire in 2021, told Spotlight’s Nthusang Lefafa they are frustrated over long ambulance wait times, overcrowded clinics, and the high cost of traveling to alternative healthcare facilities

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Three common myths about US funding cuts to South Africa

Three common myths about US funding cuts to South Africa

There is no shortage of myths about the cancellation of US foreign assistance. This includes the widely held misconception that PEPFAR is exempt from US aid cuts and the belief that grant terminations are just taking place in South Africa. Many of these falsehoods have been reinforced by US and South African officials. Spotlight and GroundUp dissect some of the most popular misconceptions.

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“We’ll come to you”: HIV prevention project takes services to schools

“We’ll come to you”: HIV prevention project takes services to schools

Elzette Rousseau from the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation told attendees at the top HIV conference in The United States about a project taking HIV prevention services to schools in Cape Town. Biénne Huisman visited one of the sites to find out how it works.

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In-depth | How much does our HIV response depend on US funding?

In-depth | How much does our HIV response depend on US funding?

After the US slashed global aid, the South African government stated that only 17% of its HIV spending relied on US funding. But some experts argue that US health initiatives had more bang for buck than the government’s programmes. Jesse Copelyn looks past the 17% figure, and considers how the health system is being affected by the loss of US money.

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SA unveils ambitious new HIV campaign amid aid crisis

SA unveils ambitious new HIV campaign amid aid crisis

Amid major disruptions caused by aid cuts from the United States government, the health department aims to enrol a record number – an additional 1.1 million – of people living with HIV on life-saving antiretroviral medicine this year. Experts tell Spotlight it can’t be business as usual if this ambitious programme is to have a chance of succeeding. Ufrieda Ho reports.

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Francois Venter | Our HIV response will collapse without US funding – unless we act urgently

Francois Venter | Our HIV response will collapse without US funding – unless we act urgently

South Africa faces its worst health crisis in 20 years. Worse than COVID, and one that will overshadow diabetes as a major killer, while pouring petrol on a dwindling TB fire. But it is preventable, argues Professor Francois Venter if our government steps up urgently.

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USAID funding cuts end vital HIV programme for orphans

USAID funding cuts end vital HIV programme for orphans

South Africa’s public health system is in turmoil after the widespread cancellation of USAID funding agreements. Among others, a USAID-funded project that helped to keep orphaned children on their HIV medication was forced to close. HIV testing services are also severely impacted in some areas.

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Research hub aims to decode health challenges facing ‘people of the dew’

Research hub aims to decode health challenges facing ‘people of the dew’

A new health research hub brings hope of improving health services in the Rustenburg Valley in the North West Province. Nthusang Lefafa finds out more about how the Bafokeng Health and Demographic Surveillance System Node will work and what it has to offer.

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US funding remains frozen for many life-saving services

US funding remains frozen for many life-saving services

Despite a waiver on life-saving humanitarian aid, USAID funding for crucial medical services remains frozen. Services remain closed as organisations await approval of revised budgets limited to what is allowed under the waiver. A separate US agency – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – restored funding to its beneficiary organisations, allowing them to reopen thanks to a US court judgment.

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No clear government plan yet to confront US aid cuts

No clear government plan yet to confront US aid cuts

South Africa’s National Department of Health is still to outline a clear contingency plan as a US funding freeze puts lives at risk, spells job losses, and presents threats to keeping HIV and TB under control. Ufrieda Ho reports.

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