Health worker lay-offs in east Africa following US aid freeze : Gilbert Nakweya / The Lancet

Article shared by John Gilmartin

A little of the nitty gritty detail. Cutting off medication and clinics in East Africa.
John


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Summary

HIV services in East Africa have been severely impacted following the U.S. government's freeze on international aid and USAID programs, leading to widespread clinic closures in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The suspension of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for at least 90 days has disrupted HIV treatment, testing, and gender-based violence services. Health workers have lost jobs, and critical HIV programs have halted, leading to fears of increased infections. Local experts warn of catastrophic consequences, with some advocating for African governments to find alternative funding sources.

Key quotes
“The impact will be catastrophic.” – Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director of the African Population Health and Research Center.
“The closed clinics take care of key populations including 6000 commercial sex workers.” – Gregory Ganda, Kisumu Health Committee Executive Secretary.
“Even if you have enough stock with no people to administer including tests, then it's not useful.” – Catherine Kyobutungi.
“This is the reality, we should just be prepared for a hike in new infections…the implications are really grave as much as the government is giving assurances.” – Erick Okioma, HIV activist in Kisumu.