Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao says several local health programmes have been affected by the 90-day pause in United States foreign aid, including reduced support for healthcare workers and essential services.
Responding to questions from Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani, Dr. Luvindao explained that the freeze on USAID funds has impacted targeted HIV testing and prevention programmes, particularly for adolescents.
“Concerning USAID services currently affected to some extent, number one is, as we all know, the provision of targeted HIV testing for key populations and targeted prevention programs, particularly for adolescents, where USAID played a key role in testing as well as counselling this particular population,” said Dr. Luvindao.
“With respect to voluntary male medical circumcision, the Safe Ministry of Health and Social Services project had 23 staff members’ contracts terminated, including supporting services for technical assistance for both TB and HIV. As well as community support from NGOs that were supported directly through USAID.”
Dr. Luvindao noted that while the government continues to fully fund antiretroviral and TB medications, additional resources are now needed to retain healthcare staff previously supported through USAID.
“It’s important to realize that Namibia is one of the very few countries in Africa where the government funds ARVs entirely. Countries that have been largely affected by some saw that up to about 98% of ARVs were being funded by the USA,” she said.
“Although we feel the impact, it is important to highlight that due to the commitment from the government over the years, the impact we are now having to deal with is with regard to human resources as well as staffing and support services.”
She added that government is exploring alternative funding solutions through an interministerial committee.
“We are working with stakeholders, and I want to highlight that the cabinet approved the establishment of an interministerial committee comprised of the National Planning Commission, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Environment, and International Relations to explore alternative funding mechanisms to address the immediate critical gaps.”