This move follows a directive issued earlier this week, which was confirmed in a statement on the USAID website. The agency has begun preparations for personnel to return within 30 days and is set to terminate contracts deemed nonessential. This decision comes as the Trump administration signals its intent to dismantle USAID and freeze nearly all foreign aid, including critical health support programmes in Africa.

The changes have raised concerns, particularly in countries heavily reliant on foreign assistance for HIV/AIDS treatment. Sibongile Tshabalala Madlala, the National Chairperson of the South African (SA) Treatment Action Campaign, an organisation advocating for HIV/AIDS treatment, shared her thoughts on the potential fallout during an interview.

Tshabalala Madlala explained that since the early 2000s, the US's financial contributions through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief programme have played a significant role in supporting HIV treatment and care, not only in SA but across Africa. These funds have been instrumental in saving lives, particularly for people living with HIV, by ensuring access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs and support programmes. Many African nations, she noted, are almost entirely dependent on US foreign aid to sustain their HIV treatment programmes.

Regarding potential disruptions, Tshabalala Madlala highlighted that SA, having made strides in funding its own HIV programmes, would likely avoid a major crisis. However, other African countries, which rely heavily on US funding, are at greater risk of facing significant setbacks. She warned that the suspension of these funds could lead to a “huge mess,” with the unfortunate consequence of more lives lost due to reduced access to HIV treatment.

Tshabalala Madlala explained that while the Treatment Action Campaign is not directly engaging with the US government, the focus is now on encouraging African governments to step in and fill the gap left by USAID's withdrawal. SA, in particular, is working on a plan to ensure it can continue supporting people living with HIV, but she cautioned that neighbouring countries may face more severe consequences.

“Given the interconnectedness of our region, we may see an influx of migrants from neighbouring countries seeking treatment in SA. This could lead to tensions, and it's crucial that our government proactively engages with its neighbours to avoid violence and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.

In response to the broader crisis, Tshabalala Madlala pointed out that discussions are already underway among international funders, including private donors, to address the funding gap. Despite these conversations, she emphasised that Africa must now explore ways to become more self-reliant, urging African governments to better utilise their own resources to address healthcare challenges.

While this situation presents a major challenge, Tshabalala Madlala stressed the importance of unity within Africa to confront this issue head-on and prevent further setbacks in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Tshabalala Madlala concluded by calling on African governments, particularly SA, to take a leadership role in addressing the crisis, highlighting the need for African countries to collaborate and take responsibility for their own healthcare needs moving forward.

This decision by the US government is yet another blow to global healthcare efforts, particularly in African nations that rely on international assistance. The future of these crucial programmes remains uncertain, with many anxiously awaiting the developments of the next 90 days.

--ChannelAfrica--