Health and Wellness
With regard to the statement by the President of the United States of America that he will be cutting future aid to South Africa:
- What impact will such a move have on the administration of health in the province and on patients;
- whether such a move will result in job losses; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether her Department has any relations with the United States government; if so, what impact will such a move have on those relations?
- At this stage, foreign assistance funding, including United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is still under review, with a 90-day suspension of some foreign aid in place to allow the United Stares to assess whether this funding aligns with U.S. policies. While a waiver has been issued for life-saving services, and some partner non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have received letters rescinding their Stop Work Orders (SWOs), uncertainty remains regarding the full scope and future of affected programmes. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is actively monitoring the situation and engaging with stakeholders to mitigate potential disruptions.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is currently assessing the full impact of any potential funding cuts. PEPFAR has supported certain technical services, assisted in strengthening the health system, and community-based support within the province. However, it is important to note that PEPFAR funding does not cover antiretroviral treatment (ART) or clinical staff salaries, which are funded primarily through our own budgets. Despite the temporary suspension of USAID/PEPFAR funds to some delivery and support partners, essential healthcare services, including ART provision, will continue. Adjustments in service delivery may be necessary, but the Western Cape Government is actively working with partners to minimise disruptions.
- The Department is working closely with NGOs and community-based partners to assess the potential impact on employment. Many healthcare workers involved in PEPFAR-supported programmes are employed by external implementing partners, not directly by the department. The extent of any potential job losses will be dependent on the final outcome of the U.S. review process and funding decisions. The Western Cape Government values the role of NGOs and NPOs in supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and education. Efforts are being made to explore all available funding sources and non-financial measures to minimise any adverse effects on service delivery and employment within this sector.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has long-standing collaborations with U.S. agencies, including PEPFAR, USAID, and the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), which have contributed to healthcare system improvements and technical support. The province, and South Africa as a whole, has benefitted from partnerships that enhance community-based care, health research, and capacity-building initiatives. While South Africa’s foreign policy and relations is the ambit of the National Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Western Cape Government is committed to working with the US and other foreign actors in the best interest of the residents of the Western Cape.
