United States President Donald Trump’s pause in his country’s foreign aid is being felt on the campuses of the North-West University (NWU).
The Health Care Centre and HIV/Aids Office on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus have received notification from Shout-it-Now, the non-governmental organisation providing youth-centred sexual reproductive health services and support, of the suspension of all their services, posing a challenge for students and employees alike.
President Trump’s executive order reevaluating and realigning US foreign aid has led to a 90-day pause in foreign assistance which is affecting health programmes globally.
This halt has impacted initiatives such as the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), which provides HIV/Aids support in over 55 countries. While PEPFAR has received a limited waiver, uncertainty remains over the future of US global health commitments.
The executive order is impacting South Africa, with the largest HIV epidemic in the world, at community level.
HIV/Aids office coordinator, Pan Mabile, highlights the consequences of the decision. “It’s deeply concerning to hear about the suspension of services due to the cessation of PEPFAR funding. Shout-it-Now has played a critical role in providing youth-focused health services and HIV support in collaboration with the Department of Health.”
He emphasises the effect on vulnerable groups. “With these services halted, local communities and the NWU are facing serious challenges. Essential services such as HIV testing and the provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis are disrupted, increasing the risk of new infections and undermining trust in the healthcare system.”
Order threatens gains made
NWU academic and senior lecturer in Political Studies and International Relations, Dr Benjamin Rapanyane, has expressed strong views on the issue.
“The importance of the United States to the global HIV response cannot be overstated. Since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has saved close to 30 million lives by investing in HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programmes. Now, in the 21st century, why should we entertain Trump when his actions threaten to reverse these gains?”
Dr Rapanyane questioned the implications of the decision, as this move undermines global efforts to end Aids.
As the situation unfolds, there is growing concern over the long-term impact of the US foreign aid freeze on public health and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
