Niël Terblanché
The country’s long-standing reliance on funding from the United States of America for its HIV response has been thrown into turmoil following the decision by the Trump administration to freeze and cut foreign assistance.
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the funding restrictions, which have disrupted the flow of resources from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), have placed vital programmes supporting HIV treatment, prevention, and socio-economic empowerment at risk, particularly for adolescent girls and marginalized communities.
UNAIDS said that while an emergency humanitarian waiver was issued to allow some funding to continue, the funds were never fully transferred to the accounts of organisations reliant on them.
This has left both the government and civil society organisations in dire financial straits, struggling with cash-flow issues and at risk of violating the country’s labour laws.
“The abrupt halt has been particularly devastating for grassroots organisations working with vulnerable populations, many of whom are now left without critical support,” the agency said.
Namibia’s civil society has long been reliant on external funding, with both the US and the Global Fund serving as major contributors to community-led HIV prevention and human rights initiatives.
According to UNAIDS, the sudden loss of US support has left organisations unable to maintain essential services, forcing them to scale back operations, lay off staff, or shut down entirely.
Young women, particularly adolescent girls, are among those hardest hit. Many had been participating in HIV prevention initiatives and empowerment programmes aimed at providing them with economic stability and a path toward self-sufficiency.
The funding cuts have not only stalled progress but have heightened their risk of contracting HIV and facing socio-economic hardships.
On 7 February, UNAIDS co-hosted a meeting to review the implications of the US funding freeze and discuss ways forward.
Participants stressed the urgent need for civil society to be actively involved in shaping the response to this crisis.
According to UNAIDS, stakeholders are exploring alternative sources of support, including private sector contributions and partnerships with other international donors.
Civil society organisations have been urged to unite in advocating for the reversal of the funding cuts while also developing long-term strategies to sustain critical services.
