CATHCA has called for urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities as international funding for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) programmes declines and South Africa moves toward greater domestic responsibility for financing its healthcare response.
In a statement published on Monday, June 1, CATHCA officials acknowledged South Africa’s progress in combating HIV and TB, attributing it to years of public investment, international support, research, outreach programmes, treatment services, peer support initiatives, and the commitment of healthcare workers serving communities across the country.
“South Africa has made enormous progress in the fight against HIV and TB. This did not happen by accident. It happened because of years of public investment, international support, research, outreach, treatment programmes, peer support, and the daily work of people serving quietly in communities,” the officials said.
While affirming the need for South Africa to continue increasing its domestic contribution to health financing, CATHCA officials cautioned that the transition away from donor-supported programmes must be carefully managed.
“South Africa already funds a large share of its health system and should continue moving towards greater domestic responsibility. But the real question is how this transition will be managed and who may suffer if it is not managed well,” they said.
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