HIV & TB: The best investment for the future begins with smart, targeted steps today

On 24 June 2025, the Western Cape Provincial Council on AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) convened to chart a clear and compassionate way forward in the fight against HIV and TB in the province, following the loss of donor funding earlier this year. The council’s meeting focused on developing a data-led, prevention-driven strategy that will help ensure that every cent of available resources is used where they can have the most impact.

This conversation comes in the wake of the withdrawal of funding from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) in January this year to multiple non-profit and non-governmental organisations in the province. The impact of this decision has been deeply felt, affecting the continuity, reach, and quality of HIV services, particularly those supporting the most vulnerable.

Opening the meeting, Premier Alan Winde said, “The suspension of funding has had a devastating impact. It has led to a major setback in the critical work done by our government and the non-governmental and non-profit organisation sector in addressing HIV-AIDS and TB in our province. But as we have shown in the past, we are confronting this challenge together, exploring numerous approaches in overcoming the funding shortfall to stabilise and bolster our treatment and prevention programmes.”

A key message emerging from the council is that while resources may be limited, they must be used wisely. While the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is actively engaging with various stakeholders to bridge the funding shortfall, and to find alternative funding partners, scenario planning is already under way to lay a strong foundation for the future.

This planning process is identifying where and how to invest for maximum return, so that HIV and TB services are not only stabilised but strengthened. A proactive and pragmatic approach is being adopted—one that evidence-based, rooted in local context, and designed to support long-term sustainability. Principles that the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has used previously.

Proposals discussed at the council meeting included:

• Digitising HIV and TB patient registers for better service tracking.
• Expanding e-scripting and e-prescribing for greater access to medication.
• Increasing community-based pick-up points for treatment.
• Strengthening clinical management of HIV and TB.
• Focusing efforts on high-burden geographic areas where risk and need are greatest.

Co-Chairperson of the Provincial Council on AIDS and TB, Amelia Mfiki said, “Access to healthcare facilities remains one of the biggest barriers in our community response, particularly for those who want to re-engage with the health system. To truly strengthen our HIV response, we need all key stakeholders—the provincial government, the private sector and others—to actively contribute.”

To guide investment and prioritisation, the Council agreed that the following principles must underpin the province’s response:

• Data-informed: using evidence to target high-need areas.
• Cost-effective: achieving the greatest return on limited resources.
• Asset-based: building on existing strengths and systems.
• Sustainable: planning for long-term success.
• Equitable: ensuring support reaches those most in need.

“We are in a critical moment that demands smart, sustainable, and deeply compassionate action. We owe it to every person affected by HIV and TB to build a system that is resilient, effective, and focused on impact. We are determined to build back better, to be smarter with our investments, and to work with every partner who shares our vision of communities free from HIV and TB. That work begins now—with thoughtful planning and strong collaboration,” concluded Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger.

As the province moves forward, the focus remains clear: making the best investment in people’s health today, so that we can build the healthier, HIV- and TB-free future we all envision. 

Listen to Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger's statement on HIV & TB: