Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Workers at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Namibia that receive funding from the government of the United States of America for various programs, including HIV prevention, LGBTQ support, and climate change initiatives, have been ordered to cease operations immediately.
The Windhoek Observer understands that the workers are still required to report for duty but cannot execute any duties.
IntraHealth Namibia (IHN), a non-profit organisation working to curb new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women under the DREAMS project, declined to comment on the matter.
Communications specialist, Selma Shiwaya, told Windhoek Observer that the organisation had no statement to offer at this time.
IHN is also involved in increasing access to HIV prevention and treatment services for key populations, strengthening civil society’s capacity to advocate for HIV programs, and enhancing data-driven interventions.
With the U.S. directive in place, the future of these services remains uncertain.
The order follows the implementation of a new U.S. policy directive that places a temporary pause on all foreign aid pending a 90-day review.
The directive, issued by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on 27 January, instructs all implementing partners to halt work under their respective funding agreements.
“This Stop-Work Order and Award Suspension Notice (this “Notice”) serves as a two-part directive to all USAID Implementing Partners (IP) that requires your immediate action. Implementation of Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid in accordance with the Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” read the directive.
The order aligns with an executive order signed by the U.S. President on 20 January, aimed at reassessing and realigning foreign assistance.
It is not clear if this also impacts the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The PEPFAR is in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and partners to build the capacity and systems needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the national HIV/AIDS program.
The health minister, Kalumbi Shangula, in an interview with NBC, acknowledged the suspension of foreign aid but noted that some funds had already been allocated before the directive took effect.
“With the announcement that all foreign aid will be suspended for 90 days pending review, we do have some funding which was advanced before the order came into effect. This means that work will continue with available resources. Within 90 days, we anticipate a positive review,” Shangula said.
He added that the Namibian government remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “There is nothing in the statement from the U.S. president indicating that Namibia’s programs are not in line with expectations.”
According to Shangula, the country’s health programs are not solely dependent on external funding.
“Every year, our programs receive appropriations through parliament.”
Namibia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world.
According to the MHSS and UNAIDS, approximately 228 538 Namibians are living with HIV.
The 2024 HIV Spectrum Estimate reported an infection rate of 9.7% among individuals aged 15-49, with women (12.7%) experiencing a higher prevalence than men (6.6%).
In 2023, Namibia recorded 6 049 new HIV infections and 3 659 AIDS-related deaths.
The ministry has been working towards achieving the 95-95-95 target—ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
With the suspension of American aid, critical HIV programs, including treatment and prevention efforts, face potential setbacks.
Namibia’s TB burden further complicates the situation, as co-infections with HIV contribute to higher mortality rates.
Karin Husselmann, the founder of TB Free Foundation Namibia, confirmed that her organisation is unaffected because it does not receive funding from USAID.
However, other organisations that rely on U.S. funding for HIV and public health initiatives are likely to face operational challenges.
USAID has stated that it will use the review period to evaluate how well foreign aid programs align with U.S. policy priorities.
In a policy brief on health financing options in Namibia, the agency previously emphasised the country’s progress towards universal healthcare coverage (UHC) and the role of external funding in addressing financial gaps.
The brief noted that while Namibia has a well-resourced health system, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and efficient use of resources.
On 28 January, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an emergency waiver allowing life-saving humanitarian assistance to continue during the aid suspension period.
This waiver applies to essential medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence support but excludes funding for programs related to abortion, gender ideology, and non-core medical services.
NGOs seeking additional waivers must submit requests through U.S. government agencies.
