The suspension of U.S. aid threatens tuberculosis (TB) treatment efforts in Zimbabwe, impacting numerous patients relying on international funding. With the healthcare system strained, TB cases are likely to increase without proper support. The article highlights the struggles of patients facing treatment abandonment amid tightening budget constraints and the vital role of donor funding in healthcare delivery.
Natasha Gwashure watches her 1-year-old son, Anashe, suffer from tuberculosis (TB) for over a month. She finds solace in the availability of free medication, attributing this crucial support to her son’s treatment adherence. Without such assistance, she fears the financial burden could drive many families to abandon their treatment plans.
For years, USAID has been pivotal in combating TB in Zimbabwe, facilitating crucial services for the detection and treatment of the disease. However, recent executive orders from the U.S. government threaten to cripple these initiatives, endangering progress made in the fight against TB and jeopardizing lives.
TB poses a serious threat, with a mortality rate of approximately 50% when left untreated. The disease spreads easily via respiratory droplets, emphasizing the urgency of effective treatment interventions. The recent funding freeze by the U.S. administration now creates a significant gap, as most of the TB treatment funding in Zimbabwe relies heavily on international donors.
In 2024, USAID allocated $7 million for TB-related interventions in Zimbabwe, which is critical given that approximately 10.8 million people globally were affected by TB in 2023, including 1.3 million children. Zimbabwe’s healthcare system struggles to manage the outbreak, with only slightly over half of the estimated 30,000 new infections treated in 2021.
The impact of cutbacks to USAID programs is alarming, as hospitals that previously relied on U.S. support now face severe staffing shortages. A local nurse has reported that many healthcare workers funded by USAID have ceased their roles, adding pressure to an already strained healthcare system. Tasks previously handled by numerous staff have shifted to a few remaining nurses amid increasing patient loads.
The freeze on funding is dismantling Zimbabwe’s TB care network, with critical facilities like the New Start Centre shutting down due to lack of financial resources. Noah Taruberekera of Population Solutions for Health acknowledges the escalating threats to patient care and healthcare delivery while remaining restricted in sharing specific information.
The crisis extends beyond TB, affecting crucial HIV programs where co-infection rates are high. Effective antiretroviral treatment can reduce TB risk, yet screening and preventive strategies remain paramount for those living with HIV. The national government currently covers only 7% of the required TB funding, leading to reliance on international donors for 60% of necessary resources.
Despite dire circumstances, Dr. Fungai Kavenga, deputy director of TB and prevention control in Zimbabwe, remains optimistic about the government’s ability to maintain TB treatment supplies even if donor support declines. Barbara Samu, a TB patient, highlights the indispensable nature of foreign aid, stating, “I can’t even begin to imagine where I would find the money for treatment.” This underscores the potentially dire consequences for patients without continued support.
The suspension of U.S. aid significantly jeopardizes TB treatment efforts in Zimbabwe. With the healthcare system already strained and reliant on international funding, patients face increasing risks. While there are hopes that the government can fill the gap, the reality remains bleak for those dependent on donor-supported healthcare programs, emphasizing the criticality of continued funding and support.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
