Namibia: U.S. HIV Cash Cuts - Thousands At Risk

What the report says

Namibia is facing a significant shift in HIV financing after the United States said it will phase out direct funding for the country’s HIV response and move toward technical cooperation over the next year, according to The Namibian, distributed by AllAfrica. The reported change leaves more than 29,000 people in Namibia at risk of losing support services tied to HIV treatment, prevention and community-based care.

The article says the funding reduction follows Namibia’s progress toward UNAIDS testing, treatment and viral suppression targets, and comes after more than two decades of U.S.-Namibia collaboration through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The U.S. has said it plans to provide about US$45 million in the 2027/28 financial year for Namibia’s HIV response as part of the transition.

Health advocates quoted in the report warned that the shift could strain both government systems and civil society groups that have relied on donor support. Victoria Kamule, executive director of the Tonata People Living with HIV Support Network, said her organization is concerned about sustaining support groups and other services if replacement funding is not secured. Tonata represents about 29,000 people living with HIV across six regions.

The report also notes that Namibia’s health ministry says the country wants a cooperation model that protects sovereignty and national health data. Government officials have separately indicated they may need to find alternative funding if an agreement with the U.S. cannot be reached on acceptable terms.