Umzingwane Aids Network says Trump’s aid freeze to hit harder on the poor
By Caleb Chikwawawa
Esigodini based humanitarian group, Umzingwane AIDS Network has lamented the potential health impact posed by the United States of America’s recent suspension of anti-HIV related aid in Zimbabwe saying the drastic policy shift by President Donald Trump will hit harder on the poor.
Under Trump’s America First mantra ignited by the controversial leader’s surprise return to White House last month, the US announced the suspension of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), an international HIV/AIDS programme which has had significant impact on several African countries including Zimbabwe.
Speaking to Zimstar News following the unpopular policy summersault, Umzingwane AIDS Network director Peter Mkandla said the freezing of aid under PEPFAR will result in the shortage of Antiretroviral drugs thereby putting the poor at a health risk unimaginable.
“There will be ARV shortages, hence those with money will benefit. But free ART drugs will only be accessed by the big ones and the poor will receive the crumbs.
“The recipients of care, in particular people living with HIV will default, TB cases will escalate and there will be an increase due to compromised immune system,” he said.
Mkandla, whose organisation is among the humanitarian groups administering the US grant, said the development will go as far as affecting school children whose school fees were being covered by PEPFAR. Staff members under the programme will also be affected, he said.
“Children supported by PEPFAR, through dreams programme (fees payments) will drop from school. A lot of negatives will happen really.
“Staff members employed by programmes supported by USAID are affected and might develop some mental health issues due to an unanticipated move.
Turning to his organisation, Mkandla said the abrupt US policy shift has led to an unexpected stopping of work by some staff members.
“There was abrupt stoppage of work without any preparations. Staff members are forced to go on leave unpaid,” he said.
