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ActionSA notes with deep concern the permanent funding cut by USAID to South Africa’s healthcare programmes, particularly PEPFAR.

This roughly R8 billion shortfall poses a significant risk to patient care, critical research efforts and the livelihoods of thousands of healthcare workers, ultimately threatening our overall healthcare system.

In light of this, ActionSA calls on the South African government to urgently mobilise domestic resources to fill the gap left by USAID’s withdrawal. The health and well-being of our people cannot depend on external funding from unreliable and exploitative international “partners.” It is a national priority that demands a self-sufficient approach. 

As a matter of utmost urgency, Government must:

Make available the collected Health Professions Levy to plug funding gaps, ensuring healthcare facilities remain operational and adequately resourced.

Expedite the release of all conditional grants allocated for the National Health Insurance (NHI) to support patient care and safeguard South Africa’s research capabilities.

Use the budget presentation on 12 March as a critical opportunity to bolster frontline healthcare capacity. This must include addressing the persistent issue of vacancies within the healthcare sector that we revealed in a parliamentary reply, where many skilled young medical professionals are ready and willing to serve but remain unemployed due to the government's failure to fill essential posts.

ActionSA remains steadfast in advocating for a robust and self-reliant healthcare system that prioritises the needs of South Africans. We will continue to push for decisive action to prevent further strain on our health services and protect both patients and healthcare workers.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Dr Kgosi Letlape