PRESS RELEASE
SANAC civil society arm works on sustainable financing solutions for SA’s healthcare response
The Civil Society Forum (CSF) of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of the crisis created by the suspension of US funding for HIV and TB programming in South for the next 90 days.
The steps taken by the US government in recent weeks have been concerning particularly for the roll out of lifesaving health care services that millions of South Africans depend on as well as the thousands of livelihoods that will be affected through potential job losses.
In his State of the Nation Address last night Ramaphosa said the funding accounts for about17% of the country’s HIV spend, which is also funded by the fiscus. “We are concerned about the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries for 90 days. We are looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services,” noted Ramaphosa.
In order to ensure that the goals of the National Strategic Plan for HIV TB and STIs are met within the next five years it is critical that implementation of the programmes are not hampered by external financial influences.
The SANAC CSF has therefore been working with civil society partners to engage in discussions on courses of sustainable financing of the HIV and other associated diseases response in the country to ensure that we remain on track to provide services to those that need it most.
SANAC South Africa has the largest antiretroviral programme in the world, ensuring that more than 7 million people are on life-saving treatment. The suspension of US funding is a blunt reminder of the urgent need for sustainable, locally driven solutions to fund South Africa’s HIV and TB response. The SANAC Civil Society Forum remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that essential healthcare services are not disrupted and that we stay on course to achieve the goals of the National Strategic Plan. Now more than ever, we must strengthen our resolve to build a resilient and self-sufficient health system,” said the SANAC CSF Chair Mr Solly Nduku.
For media queries, please contact Nelson Dlamini, SANAC Communications: nelson@sanac.org.za / 078 731 0313
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