By Kuda Pembere
Population Solutions for Health (PSH) is working tirelessly to resume HIV services previously offered at New Start Centres, following a funding review initiated by the U.S. State Department under the administration of former President Donald Trump.
The closure of New Start Centres is part of PSH’s compliance with the U.S. government directive. However, a waiver on health-related funding was later introduced to prevent the collapse of Africa’s under-resourced health systems.
In an interview, PSH executive director Dr. Noah Taruberekera stated that while he could not comment on the closure of New Start Centres, the organization is taking all necessary steps to align with the State Department’s directive.
We really can’t respond to any questions at this point. The programs we are running are under a very important review by the Department of State,” Dr. Taruberekera said. “So we don’t want to say anything that could jeopardize that process because it’s crucial.”
He added, “All the questions that we have asked—I’m sure you’ve been following reports by the Department of State—confirm that all funding is on pause at the moment. That answers the questions you have. I don’t have anything beyond that statement because that is the official position of the funder.”
Despite these challenges, Dr. Taruberekera assured that PSH is committed to ensuring continuity of healthcare services.
“We are doing everything in our power to comply with the funder so that we can continue providing services to our communities. That is our priority right now,” he emphasized.
PSH is also working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to maintain access to essential medicines. “Our funders have announced the continuation of lifesaving services,” Dr. Taruberekera said.
Meanwhile, PSH is actively seeking additional funding sources to mitigate the impact of the pause.
“As is publicly known, there is a halt to activities. PSH is doing everything within its control to ensure that clients continue to receive the services they need,” he added.
Established in 1999, New Start Centres integrate voluntary counseling and testing services into Zimbabwe’s existing healthcare infrastructure, including public clinics, hospitals, NGOs, and private medical facilities.
In a statement released Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe reaffirmed that funding will now be reassessed in accordance with American foreign policy.
“The review of all foreign assistance programs aims to ensure they are effective and aligned with U.S. foreign policy under the America First agenda,” the statement read.
It further stated, “The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe has paused its foreign assistance and is evaluating its programs to align them with this Executive Order and the waiver.
“The United States takes pride in the progress it has supported in Zimbabwe’s health, food security, and development sectors.
“Today, 1.2 million Zimbabweans are living longer and healthier lives thanks to PEPFAR’s contributions to HIV services.
“More than 1,600 public hospitals and clinics have received training and technical support through U.S. assistance.”
The U.S. remains a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s fight against sexually transmitted infections and HIV, with PEPFAR funding the majority of condoms and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) supplied to local hospitals.
