Treatment Action Campaign
The Department of Health said it would embark on a consultative process with various organisations this week that are affected by the US government’s decision to freeze and cut donor funding for HIV/AIDS and TB response programmes.
Spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said the process was initiated by the department to get first-hand information on the extent of the impact of the cut in funding, so that the government can make informed decisions on the proper interventions.
“The department values the contribution made by these organisations in the country`s response to HIV/AIDS and TB, hence we remain committed to working with them to develop short-medium to long-term interventions.
“The department urges all people living with HIV who were receiving their life-saving HIV treatment from the sites and centres funded by the US government through USAID and PEPFAR to continue their treatment journey at their nearest public health facilities,” Mohale said.
He said, in the meantime, South Africans are also urged to go for regular health screening and testing in order to know their health status, and to take prevention measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“The department has already communicated with provinces to make necessary preparations and adjustments to accommodate new patients in the treatment programmes in accordance with relevant standard operating guidelines,” Mohale said.
