● Ensure that all affected parties, including healthcare workers, patients, civil society organisations, and implementing partners, are consulted and included in the process of developing this plan. Transparency and inclusivity are vital to ensure that the plan addresses the needs of those most affected by the funding freeze and stop-work orders.
● Develop a communication strategy to inform all stakeholders about the impact of the Executive Order, the Waiver, and the steps being taken to mitigate the effects on healthcare services in South Africa. This strategy should include regular updates, public statements, and engagement with the media to ensure that accurate information is shared widely.
● Advocate for the immediate release of funds for essential healthcare services, including those related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, that have been affected by the funding freeze. The National Department of Health and the Treasury must work with international partners, such as the Global Fund and other donors, to secure funding to bridge the gap left by the U.S. government’s actions.
● Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the emergency plan to ensure that healthcare services are restored, patients receive the care they need, and healthcare workers are supported during this crisis. Regular reporting and accountability mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and address any challenges that arise.
● Engage with international partners, including the U.S. government, to urge them to reconsider the impact of the Executive Order on global health programmes and to ensure that funding is restored to critical healthcare services in South Africa. Diplomatic efforts should be made to highlight the negative consequences of the funding freeze and to advocate for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to foreign aid.
We stand ready to support the National Department of Health and the Treasury in developing and implementing an urgent emergency plan to address the impact of the Executive Order on healthcare services in South Africa. Our organisations have a wealth of knowledge and experience in advocating for access to healthcare and human rights, and we are committed to working collaboratively to ensure that all patients and communities in South Africa can access the care they need.
We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to protect the health and well-being of all South Africans during this challenging time. The consequences of the Executive Order are severe and far-reaching, and urgent action is needed to prevent further harm to our healthcare system and the communities that rely on it.
Sincerely,
[Signed by the coalition of South African health advocacy groups]
The recent Executive Order has caused chaos and confusion in the healthcare sector, particularly affecting vulnerable and marginalised groups such as transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and other LGBTIQ+ individuals. It is imperative that urgent interim measures are put in place to ensure that these groups continue to receive emergency healthcare services, including HIV prevention.
One of the key steps that must be taken is the allocation of sufficient budget to address the immediate healthcare needs of those not included in the Waiver. This includes developing an emergency communications plan to inform patients and others about where they can access healthcare services that have been affected by the Executive Order.
It is also important to engage with healthcare organisations and facilities to facilitate open communication and information-sharing during this crisis. Accurate information must be collected and disclosed to the public to ensure that everyone is informed about the steps being taken to mitigate the effects of the Executive Order.
Furthermore, it is crucial to revisit and develop existing policies and budget allocations to anticipate the medium- to long-term consequences of the suspension or cancellation of foreign assistance awards. This includes a plan to reduce reliance on foreign assistance awards in the future.
We urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to address this issue in his State of the Nation Address and reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services for all key populations. It is essential to uphold the rights of all individuals to access non-discriminatory healthcare services.
In addition, we recommend convening an urgent stakeholder meeting between relevant government departments, healthcare organisations, and facilities to discuss and implement any other necessary interventions at this time. This is a problem that can and must be solved by the Executive now.
We invite the public to provide feedback and comments on these suggested measures to ensure that the healthcare needs of all individuals, especially vulnerable and marginalised groups, are met during this challenging time.
