In South Africa, access to vital HIV medications has been severely impacted by recent cuts in US foreign aid. Patients like Nozuko Majola and Nozuko Ngaweni express deep concern over the loss of delivery services and the uncertainty surrounding their future medications. The US has historically supported South Africaâs health initiatives, with funding contributing to preventing HIV/AIDS deaths. The Trump administrationâs decision to slash aid and dismantle USAID has raised alarms that up to 500,000 lives could be lost due to these changes, with potential for millions more across Africa suffering from treatable diseases.
"We used to get the drugs delivered to our homes, but since Donald Trump announced he was cutting aid, the drugs have stopped coming. I'm worried that this service will be canceled altogether," said Nozuko Majola.
"When I heard that the US had canceled its aid, I felt like I was dying. ... Will I get medication next month? I have medication for this month, but what comes after?" expressed Nozuko Ngaweni.
"The cuts to South Africa's HIV/AIDS programs could lead to more than 500,000 deaths over the next decade," remarked Linda-Gail Bekker, head of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.
"Sub-Saharan Africa is the second-largest recipient of USAID funding worldwide... Up to 4 million additional people could now die from treatable diseases in Africa as a result of the loss of US funding."
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