How Cuts in HIV/AIDS Foreign Aid Affect Our Community

INTRODUCTION: 

ROWAN exists to transform orphans and widows into change agents. Our mission is to promote self-reliance, spread and nurture the Christian faith love and empower orphans, widows and people affected by HIV and AIDS in our Community and all the beneficiaries are demonstrating healthy living from ROWAN support.

The recent directive from the U.S. administration issued on January 24, 2025 has paused nearly all foreign aid including significant funding to Uganda. 

The withdrawal of funding from USAID funded projects has far-reaching effects on our local communities in our areas of operation. USAID has been playing a significant role in supporting the sectors of health, food security and economic development. 

However, the recent directive from the U.S. administration issued suspending nearly all foreign aid including significant funding to Uganda, disrupted services that millions of Ugandans have been getting for their well-being and livelihoods. Our ROWAN beneficiaries are also affected because many of them were attached to different Health centers where they have been getting ARVs and counseling sessions. In the health sector, USAID funding has been instrumental in combating and strengthening health systems Programs. But the withdrawal of funding has already resulted into;

• Interruptions in treatment, putting patients at risk of drug resistance and in the long run leading to increased mortality rate of both HIV/AIDS infected people.
  
• The vehicles that helped in the transportation of medicines to different facilities were stopped hence leading to medicine stock out and especially for those in second line and children.
  
• Increased vulnerability to Opportunistic Infections. Without access to ART, widows living with HIV are more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and meningitis. These infections can be life-threatening and require prompt treatment. However, with the funding cuts, many widows may not have access to the healthcare services they need to diagnose and treat these conditions.
  
• Economic Hardship. Many widows living with HIV some have been relying on USAID -funded programs for economic support, including food assistance and income-generating activities. Without these programs, many widows are likely to struggle to make ends meet, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity.
  
• Social Isolation and Stigma. Our beneficiaries living with HIV may often face significant social isolation and stigma, especially in communities where there is high prevalence of HIV like Matovu zone, Bwalula Zone. Without access to USAID funded programs that provide psycho-social support and counseling, many widows or HIV infected people may feel abandoned and unsupported. 

QUESTIONS:

[1] Where are Our ROWAN women getting their medications from? 

The following health facilities are within our area of operation where our ROWAN women are getting their medication:

• Buwunga Health Centre III
• Makuutu Health III
• Busesa Health Centre IV
• Nankoma Health Centre IV
• Bugiri Main Hospital

[2] How are we monitoring their medications?

We monitor our beneficiaries’ medication through a combination of methods including viral load testing, clinical assessments, and self-reported adherence data. Viral load testing is the primary method for assessing treatment success, while adherence is tracked through various tools, including electronic monitors and self-reporting systems. 

Below are processes ROWAN team uses in monitoring our ROWAN women’s medication:

[3] When will the money cut for medications take effect in our community?

This is already taking effect in our community. Previously, they would receive a six-month supply, but now they’re only getting a two-month supply. This is due to the large number of people they serve, and their priority is to ensure everyone receives some medication and unfortunately, there is also critical shortage of HIV medications for children. This is particularly concerning our young beneficiaries who rely on these medications to manage their condition. The stock out is affecting their access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is essential for their health and well-being and it has increased trauma and stigma which needs consolidated efforts from other supporters to address the challenge. 

[4] How will our women get medications if the USAID money is not there?  

Our women are left with the following options:

• Await solutions from government interventions
  
• Await support from other service provider’s for examples NGOs.
  
• They (HIV/AIDS Patients) will have to buy by themselves these medicines from big pharmacies that will have the drugs at a cost.

[5] What is our ROWAN response? 

ROWAN should develop a comprehensive and sustainable alternative solution in the long term to ensure that women continue to have access to essential medications. In a meantime it’s important to:

• Explore partnerships with other international donors, foundations, and private sector entities could help fill the funding gap. 
  
• Develop a health insurance program to support women access medication. 
  
• Expanding community-based health programs and involving local communities in the delivery of health services could improve access and reduce costs.
  
• Empowering ROWAN HIV infected beneficiaries with Income Generating Activities and entrepreneurial skills for sustainable livelihood.
  
• To come up with a strategic plan on the procurement of antiretroviral therapy/ drugs

Stay blessed we love you from ROWAN Uganda Team.