WHO commends SA‘s HIV funding efforts

WORLD Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has commended South Africa for its efforts in finding new ways to fund HIV/ Aids programmes following the recent USAID funding cuts.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

On Monday, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered his message of support to local and international guests gathered at the 12th South African AIDS Conference, currently taking place at the Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni.

“I congratulate South Africa in the face of major disruptions and dramatic cuts in aid. I commend the government for moving quickly to analyse the impact of these cuts. South Africa has tried to develop and find contingency plans for each province.

“These cuts also bring opportunities. I commend South Africa for its commitment to strengthening domestic funding for HIV/Aids and tuberculosis (TB). We welcome the new HIV/Aids Sustainability Roadmap,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), has called for equitable access to healthcare, ensuring that no one is left behind.