South Africa: HIV Activists Urge Parliament to Respond to Pepfar Cuts

Parliament Informed of Clinic Closures and HIV Medication Access Issues

Activists from the Global HIV Treatment Coalition spoke to the Portfolio Committee on Health on Thursday. They highlighted a health crisis caused by funding cuts. Francois Venter, a clinician researcher at Wits University, noted that Gauteng is the hardest hit by PEPFAR cuts. He explained that these cuts have led to a collapse of HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs. Activist Zackie Achmat urged the health department and National Treasury to share their plans for addressing this funding shortfall.

Many clinics providing essential HIV treatment have closed or reduced services. This was reported during the presentation to Parliament. Activists disrupted last week's committee meeting, demanding action on funding cuts affecting HIV programs. In January, the US withdrew billions in funding by canceling PEPFAR. This has resulted in clinic closures, staff layoffs, and difficulties accessing HIV services.

Sibongile Tshabalala, chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), shared troubling reports. Patients without referral letters are being turned away from hospitals and clinics. In Gauteng, some patients receive only one or two months' supply of antiretrovirals (ARVs), instead of the usual three to six months.

Francois Venter emphasized that Gauteng relied heavily on PEPFAR funding. The loss has caused significant issues with early HIV identification. He warned that new infection rates may be rising as a result.

ANC MP Fisani Shabangu acknowledged challenges but claimed the department is prioritizing patients' needs. She stated it was "not fair" to panic over the situation and requested data on closed clinics from activists.

Venter responded that such statistics should come from the Department of Health and National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). He encouraged MPs to question the Minister of Health about these issues.

Zackie Achmat called for transparency regarding plans from both the health department and National Treasury. He stressed that affected communities should be able to review these plans for better collaboration.

Nomsa Mercy from Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) described difficulties faced by sex workers in obtaining medication after clinic closures. Many live far from public health facilities, complicating access to care.

Mercy mentioned that some sex workers are unaware their medication will not arrive this month due to service disruptions. SWEAT is working to assist those without referral letters after their clinics shut down.

Committee chair Sibongiseni Dhlomo announced plans for further discussions with the health minister and activists soon. A document summarizing this meeting will be prepared for review by the minister.