Health dept says it's working on strategies to reduce impact of HIV and TB funding reduction

JOHANNESBURG - The national health department says it is working on developing both short- and long-term strategies to reduce the impact of the funding reduction for HIV and TB programmes.

In January, the Trump administration discontinued its PEPFAR initiative, which offered financial aid to several countries battling HIV and AIDS.

This has left some non-government organisations in limbo, with most uncertain about how to continue their important work related to the virus.

Despite PEPFAR contributing just 17% to South Africa's HIV and AIDS budget, its discontinuation has had a significant impact on the work of several non-governmental organisations.

The programme provided funding to distribute HIV treatment nationwide, as well as to support awareness campaigns.

The national health department has stated it will meet with the affected organisations this week in an effort to identify both short- and long-term solutions.

Through these meetings, the department intends to gather firsthand information to better understand the scope of the impact and develop appropriate interventions.

The department will meet the affected organisations on Monday afternoon.