The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) funding is facing a review, potentially impacting crucial HIV and Aids programs in South Africa. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed the review, raising concerns about the future of the program and the 15,154 healthcare workers it supports.
The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( Pepfar ) funding is currently under review, potentially impacting crucial HIV and Aids programs in South Africa . Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed the review, stating that it affects 27 high-burden districts in the country amidst broader geopolitical tensions and possible shifts in US global health funding strategies.
While acknowledging the importance of Pepfar's contribution, Motsoaledi emphasized that the South African government funds 80% of its HIV and Aids programs, including the purchase of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, with an additional 10% sourced from the Global Fund. Pepfar specifically funds additional personnel and operational expenses in high-burden districts, currently supporting 15,154 healthcare workers.Motsoaledi revealed that he is scheduled to meet with officials from the US Embassy in South Africa to discuss the developments, however, he stressed that these officials are not decision-makers and the final outcome will be determined in Washington over a 90-day period. He addressed concerns about dependency on foreign aid, suggesting that South Africa could reduce its reliance through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Motsoaledi asserted that if South Africa effectively utilized its own funds, they would not need external funders, emphasizing that the country already allocates 8.5% of its GDP to healthcare – higher than several BRICS nations like Russia (7.2%) and China (6.5%).When questioned about potential alternative funding from BRICS partners, Motsoaledi pointed out that South Africa also receives support from the Global Fund, which provides $7 billion every three years to fight HIV, Aids, TB, and malaria. He stated that the Global Fund considers the country with the heaviest burden, and South Africa currently carries the largest burden globally, which explains their assistance. Motsoaledi made it clear that no final decision has been made regarding Pepfar's future funding for South Africa. He reiterated that the decision is under review and will be determined after the 90-day assessment process in the US
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