Western Cape Government moves to safeguard healthcare after NGO funding halt
The Provincial Council on AIDS and Tuberculous (TB) convened this week to assess the impact of the sudden termination of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Western Cape, and the provincial government’s response to safeguard healthcare for at risk residents. The council, a partnership between civil society and the Western Cape Government, is dedicated to achieving the goal of a province free from TB and HIV/AIDS.
Chairing the meeting, Premier Alan Winde acknowledged the immediate and significant consequences of this funding halt on NGO partners. “Our NGO partners play a critical role in support to our government’s response in tackling TB and HIV/AIDS in the Western Cape and South Africa. This abrupt termination of funding has severely disrupted essential services and leaves many vulnerable residents at risk. This move by the US Government is heart-breaking and deeply unfortunate,” he emphasised.
A joint presentation by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and NGO partners revealed the magnitude of the crisis. The funding cut threatens approximately 10 NGOs and nearly 700 jobs that were directly supported by USAID, amounting to a loss of around R360 million in healthcare funding for the province.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, emphasised the long-standing collaboration between the department and NGOs in combating TB and HIV/AIDS. “For years, we have worked side by side with NGOs to serve our communities with the support of USAID funding. Together, we have made remarkable progress in increasing the number of people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) while reducing new infections. As a result, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Western Cape has been stabilised. However, this funding cut now places these hard-won gains at serious risk and our healthcare system will face increased pressure. We are taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of this crisis.”
Following correspondence with the National Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister Wenger met with the National Department of Health last week to discuss a coordinated response. She welcomed the national department’s commitment to assisting the province in fast-tracking the digitisation of records and prescriptions. This includes the rollout of multi-month prescriptions, which will ensure that stable patients on chronic medication, such as ART, can access their medication conveniently and reduce demand on already pressured clinics.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that there is be no interruption in healthcare services,” Minister Wenger assured. “To support those on ART, we are implementing several measures, including multi-month dispensing for up to six months for stable patients, repeat prescription collection strategies, a 28-day grace period for late collections, automatic script renewals, and we are in the advanced planning stages for an ‘e-scripting’ initiative. Additionally, we will rapidly scale up the ‘Make Every Contact Count’ strategy to strengthen HIV counselling services.”
Minister Wenger stressed the human impact of the funding crisis. “This decision will affect not only our healthcare system but also the dedicated workers in our NGO sector and, most importantly, the individuals they serve. We must ensure that this vital work continues.”
She urged all individuals on ART to remain committed to their treatment. “To anyone on ART: do not lose hope. Your medication remains available at our healthcare facilities, and for stable patients, multi-month dispensing options are in place. Staying on your treatment is essential for your health and for preventing the spread of HIV.”
Premier Winde concluded, “This matter is exacerbated by the fact that the national budget has yet to be tabled. Without a national budget, we cannot yet determine what financial resources the province will be allocated. While this funding cut is a serious challenge, the Western Cape Government is determined to protect the progress we have made in fighting TB and HIV/AIDS. We will continue to work with our partners to find solutions and ensure that every resident receives the healthcare they need. I am heartened by the resilience and commitment of our civil society partners and we share the concerns of NGOs affected by this devastating move. For many of the individuals working in this space this is not work, this is a passion and a deep commitment to their communities. This is not just about the money lost, this is about individual lives impacted. We will do everything we can to mitigate and manage the continued rollout of these critical services.”