Inside government’s confused response to the US funding crisis

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight

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.

Inside government’s confused response to the US funding crisis

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

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight

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.

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

SA has world class medical researchers – they can and should be bailed out

Posted in: Editorial, Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Perspectives, Spotlight, TB

The sudden and severe US cuts to grants from the world’s largest health research funder threaten to unravel the medical research landscape in South Africa. A crucial question now is whether the government will turn this crisis into an opportunity for renewal, write Marcus Low and Nathan Geffen.

SA has world class medical researchers – they can and should be bailed out

Three common myths about US funding cuts to South Africa

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight

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.

Three common myths about US funding cuts to South Africa

How much does our HIV response depend on US funding?

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight

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.

How much does our HIV response depend on US funding?

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

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Opinions, Perspectives, Spotlight, TB

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.

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

USAID funding cuts end vital HIV programme for orphans

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight, TB

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.

USAID funding cuts end vital HIV programme for orphans

US funding remains frozen for many life-saving services

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight, TB

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.

US funding remains frozen for many life-saving services

HIV patients go weeks without medicines after US aid cut

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight, TB

A US-funded health facility in Pretoria shut its doors for over two weeks after an executive order by President Trump paused funding. A beneficiary of the centre, who is HIV-positive, said that he hadn’t taken his ARVs in roughly two weeks due to the closure. Many were in the same predicament. The health centre reopened on 13 February after funding resumed.

HIV patients go weeks without medicines after US aid cut

No clear government plan yet to confront US aid cuts

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight, TB

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.

No clear government plan yet to confront US aid cuts

SA health research facing catastrophic financing cuts

Posted in: Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Spotlight, TB

Cuts to United States funding of health research could have “catastrophic” consequences, says Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, who is at the helm of the country’s primary health research funder. He says the South African Medical Research Council is “heavily exposed” to the cuts, with around 28% of its budget coming from US federal agencies. Catherine Tomlinson reports.

SA health research facing catastrophic financing cuts

Stopping health funding in Africa weakens America

Posted in: Editorial, Healthcare system, HIV, Latest, Perspectives, Spotlight, TB

Following President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend foreign aid, President Cyril Ramaphosa can display great leadership by meeting with leaders of wealthy countries and convincing them to increase spending to support the health systems of poorer countries, write Nathan Geffen and Marcus Low.