American taps run dry for SA health organisations

US President Donald Trump has permanently closed the funding gap for health organisations across South Africa, The Citizen has learnt.

- Enkosi Selane

Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) that were affected by a funding freeze announced by the US last month have now had their funding completely cancelled.

The initial freeze was enacted through an executive order signed by Trump.

Department of health spokesperson Foster Mohale said officials were still seeking clarity on the matter.

"The department has noted media reports about the cancellation. We haven't received formal correspondence on the cancellation," Mohale said.

He said it was not clear if the notice they would receive on the termination would be different from that sent to the NGOs operating in the country.