South African Legislator Proposes Denying Foreigners Access to ARVs After PEPFAR Funding Halt
By Michael Gwarisa Controversial South African Member of Parliament Gayton McKenzie has proposed an immediate halt to all medical assistance, including Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), in response to the gap left by the cessation of aid from the United States government. In the final week of February, PEPFAR-funded HIV organizations in South Africa, which receive funding
Read More
US Aid Cuts Jeopardize HIV and TB Programs in East and Southern Africa
By Staff Reporter The AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA) and its regional partners have strongly condemned the recent cuts in United States (US) funding for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) programs, warning of catastrophic consequences for millions of vulnerable people across East and Southern Africa. In January 2025, the US government implemented a
Read MoreAfrican health leaders call for stronger health systems amid shrinking financial support
The 6th edition of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 commenced with a powerful call to action, urging African nations to unite in strengthening health systems amid growing challenges. At the kick-off press briefing, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, global and African health leaders underscored the urgency of tackling pandemics, climate-driven health threats, and
Read MoreSouth Africa, Zimbabwe and Congo among countries already witnessing disruptions in HIV care, says MSF
By Staff Reporter The decision by the US government to temporarily freeze funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alongside all other foreign aid for at least 90 days has had immediate effects on people living with HIV (PLHIV), said Doctors Without Borders (MSF) grams can continue at least until April, we
Read MoreHIV infections could jump over 6 times if US support is dropped and not replaced, UNAIDS chief says
The head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday the number of new HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS program is dropped, warning that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge. In an interview with The Associated
Read MoreMCAZ Partners with African Regulators in Historic Agreement with Africa CDC
By Staff Reporter The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among Africa’s WHO Maturity Level 3 National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). These agencies have established robust systems to ensure
Read More
New PEPFAR Waiver Scraps Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Program
By Michael Gwarisa The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has removed Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programs from its list of HIV prevention and care initiatives set to benefit under the Life-Saving HIV Care and Prevention Services limited waiver. The 90-day limited waiver, which permits the continuation of critical HIV care, treatment,
Read MoreEbola Breaks Out in Uganda as US Halts Foreign Aid
By Nakisanze Segawa, GPJ Uganda KAMPALA, UGANDA — One nurse died from the Sudan Ebola virus in Uganda on Jan. 29. Two more cases were confirmed days later — and hundreds of people were direct contacts. The virus spreads fast, and it’s deadly: The Sudan strain’s fatality rate ranged from 40% to 100% in past
Read MoreUnited States Permits Distribution of H.I.V. Medications to Resume For Now
The Trump administration on Tuesday issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide H.I.V. treatment program that was halted last week. The waiver, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seemed to allow for the distribution of H.I.V. medications, but whether the waiver extended to preventive drugs or
Read MoreAmref CEO Warns US Withdrawal from WHO Could Leave Africa Exposed to Health Crises
By Michael Gwarisa Amref Health Africa Group CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, has raised concerns over the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to halt funding for the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Gitahi warns that the move could severely impact global health initiatives, leaving Africa particularly exposed. President Trump justified the U.S. withdrawal by criticizing
Read More