Committee on Health Briefed on the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Funding Withdrawal and Employment of Healthcare Professionals
The Health Portfolio Commission has received a comprehensive briefing from Health Secretary Dr. Aaron Mossoledi about the recent withdrawal of funds from the U.S. Presidential AIDS Relief Emergency Plan (PEPFAR).
In the briefing, Minister Motsoaledi highlighted the critical role of Pepfar in supporting various health programs and noted that approximately 7.8 million South Africans suffer from HIV/AIDS, the highest number of HIV/AIDS in the world. The minister stressed that PEPFAR funding played a role in meeting the needs of 27 high-load areas selected according to specific criteria.
In discussions about the withdrawal of PEPFAR funds in the United States, committee members had questions about the direct and long-term impact of the decision. Members expressed concern that the suspension of funds could lead to severe damage to HIV prevention and treatment services, especially in the 27 highly responsible areas that rely on PEPFAR support.
The committee also questioned the contingency plans already in place to maintain service delivery, the potential impact on patient care and how the department intends to support the healthcare workforce affected by the cut funding.
The Commission seeks to clarify how the Government plans to address the expected shortfalls and the measures to be taken to ensure that people with HIV continue to receive the care they need.
Committee members stressed the need for South Africa to strengthen its sovereignty on health issues and reduce its reliance on foreign funds. They also stressed that the withdrawal of PEPFAR funds is a wake-up call for the country to develop sustainable healthcare solutions independent of external impacts.
Members urged the minister to prioritize local production of essential drugs, such as antiretrovirals (ARVs), and to explore innovative funding mechanisms that can support health programs without relying on foreign aid. Clarifying the situation regarding ARV treatment, the minister reiterated that South Africa relied on its own ARV budget, with approximately 90% of the drugs being funded locally.
The briefing also covered issues related to the lack of work for healthcare professionals, including physicians, where members have increased their number of qualified healthcare professionals who are unable to find jobs in the public sector. The Commission questioned the long-term impact of this trend on the health care sector and pointed out that adequate workforce is critical to providing effective health care, especially in underserved areas.
Committee members asked the minister about the current vacancies for medical positions and urged him to outline specific strategies for incorporating newly qualified physicians into the healthcare system.
Recommendations included the need to simplify the recruitment process, develop internship plans to ensure post-complete employment, and work with provincial health departments to prioritize areas where they are most needed. The Commission urges the Minister to explore strategies to absorb newly qualified healthcare practitioners into the public healthcare system.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the Republic of South Africa: Parliament.
