President Cyril Ramaphosa says they were concerned and looking for various interventions to address the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes.
This statement follows Trump’s threat to suspend funding for the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to South Africa, pending an investigation into allegations of land expropriation.
Trump emphasised that the US would not condone such actions.
Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town on Thursday night, where he spoke about the geopolitical concerns affecting the nation, such as the propagation of false information about the country's land expropriation practices.
This was the first SONA under the Government of National Unity (GNU). In his address, Ramaphosa mentioned that it would be a problem if the fund did not come through.
“We are concerned about the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries for 90 days.
“This funding accounts for about 17 percent of our country’s HIV spend. We have been able to provide funding from our fiscus for our HIV and TB programmes over the years.
“We are looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services,” he said. Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the progress that the country has made towards ending HIV and AIDS.
Lauded by members of parliament, Ramaphosa announced that he will proceed with the preparatory work for the establishment of the NHI.
“The NHI will reduce inequalities in healthcare by ensuring everyone gets fair treatment.
“The NHI will save many lives by providing a package of services that include, for example, maternal and newborn care and services for people living with HIV, those with TB, and those suffering from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes,” he said.
He said government will build healthcare infrastructure to provide affordable healthcare and also to ensure that people are able to access the services.
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