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GABORONE. — Health authorities in Botswana yesterday the suspension of US foreign aid with immediate effect will impact the southern African country’s health sector.
Christopher Nyanga, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, yesterday said the suspension of aid, if made permanent, will affect progress in the health sector, especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
However, he said, the development “does not affect the availability of anti-retroviral medication because that is directly procured by the Botswana government.”
Nyanga said the ministry will engage all stakeholders, including the US embassy, in a dialogue on how to continue the affected services so that there is an understanding on the matter.
He noted that over the years, Botswana has been receiving aid from the United States in the health sector, and many local US-funded civil society organisations indicated that they have been asked to suspend their operations immediately.
The US Department of State has frozen nearly all foreign assistance worldwide effective immediately days after President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order on January 20 to put a hold on such assistance for 90 days.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, 20,8 percent of Batswana aged 15 to 65 are HIV positive.
That translates to about 329 000 adults living with HIV. – Xinhua.com
Online Reporter