HIV clinic closures in Uganda Spark 'total panic' amid USAID funding cuts
The decision by the Trump administration to cut essential aid through USAID has led to chaos in Uganda, notably affecting HIV and AIDS services.
Public health officials warn of impending crises, stating that "Livelihoods will be lost - and lives will be lost." Such reductions are already triggering fears and operational shutdowns of critical health facilities across the nation.
Uganda's Health Ministry announced plans to close all dedicated HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) clinics due to the loss of USAID funding. Essential pharmacies providing antiretroviral drugs are also affected, as these services previously catered to around 1.5 million Ugandans living with HIV.
Closure of these clinics forces reliance on public hospitals, which lack the infrastructure to handle such specialised care adequately.
Flavia Kyomukama, representing the National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks Uganda, described the situation as a shocking betrayal. "We are still reeling from the shock of what they have done, it is very difficult to understand," she said.
Experts are warning of a systemic collapse of the international aid and development framework due to the drastic cuts implemented by the Trump administration. The US historically leads the world in humanitarian assistance, with a budget of $71.9 billion in 2023.
Losing USAID undermines vital programmes, notably PEPFAR, which provides critical support in the fight against HIV/AIDS globally.
Analysts indicate that the ramifications extend beyond Uganda, risking upheaval in aid-dependent countries. Refugee support systems, funded partly by USAID, may also falter without US contributions, potentially triggering migration crises.
Brian Aliganyira, director of Ark Wellness Hub in Uganda, described the current situation as one of "total panic" within the community and health sector. Clinicians are running out of essential supplies, leading to fears of a resurgence in HIV infections. He warned, "Without the support we need, HIV will surge and people will die."
