The South African health system is in distress due to the withdrawal of HIV funding by the US during Donald Trump's presidency, with local officials denying the severity of the situation. Public health workers, researchers, and those affected by HIV assert that testing has decreased, frontline workers are being dismissed, and clinics are closing. There are significant discrepancies between the National Treasury and the Department of Health. Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is criticized for his denial and failure to address the crisis. The government’s inaction deepens the crisis, particularly impacting marginalized groups like transgender individuals and drug users.
As public health workers, researchers, academics, and people living with HIV, we reject the narrative put forward by the government that things are under control.
Testing has dropped. Frontline workers are being dismissed. Clinics that served our most marginalised communities have closed or struggle to keep their doors open.
Aaron Motsoaledi's refusal to confront the truth about the aftermath of US funding withdrawal demonstrates a denial of the health crisis we are facing.
We will continue to meet the minister's narrative with data, lived experience and facts, refusing to sit quietly while being shamefully compared to AfriForum.
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