The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) suffered a severe setback when USAID unexpectedly terminated several contracts, cutting off funding for HIV treatment for 350,000 individuals in Africa. This decision, which may have been influenced by confusion surrounding funding allocations, has caused medicine shortages, unpaid healthcare workers, and a deteriorating medical infrastructure. EGPAF is now facing urgent challenges to maintain its life-saving programs. The foundation expressed concerns that without restored funding, the consequences could be fatal for many.
In a recent incident, Elon Musk mistakenly accused USAID of sending millions of dollars’ worth of condoms to Gaza, a claim that was proven false. This misunderstanding led to repercussions for EGPAF, despite the organization not being involved in the situation. Subsequently, EGPAF’s projects in Lesotho, Eswatini, and Tanzania were abruptly terminated by USAID, leaving thousands of HIV patients without vital treatment. The termination notice provided no opportunity for review, causing immediate disruption to crucial healthcare services.
The abrupt funding cut of approximately $32.7 million has severely impacted EGPAF’s ability to provide essential HIV care and support services. The organization’s staff witnessed a rapid breakdown of the healthcare system they had diligently built over the years. Patients began stockpiling medication, pharmacies faced shortages, and healthcare workers volunteered their services amidst the crisis. Trish Karlin, the executive vice president of EGPAF, highlighted the significance of the funding beyond medication, emphasizing the importance of a functional healthcare infrastructure in delivering essential services to those in need.
As the foundation races against time to secure alternative funding, the looming threat of interrupted HIV treatment poses a grave risk to the health and well-being of those affected. The urgent need to restore funding and stabilize healthcare services is crucial to prevent potentially devastating outcomes for the communities relying on EGPAF’s support.
In the realm of healthcare workforce support, there is a need for counseling, testing, and monitoring of blood samples to track disease progression and identify potential opportunistic infections. Additionally, psychosocial support training is crucial. Some cases also involve logistical challenges, such as ensuring the timely delivery of medications to pharmacies. This comprehensive service is multifaceted and intricate.
Moreover, the funds also facilitate quantification, ordering, and distribution of stock at treatment and testing sites. Specialized services are provided in antenatal clinics and maternity wards. The financial support extends to hiring specialist doctors, nurses, clinicians, lab teams, and peer educators.
The establishment of these programs was not immediate and required significant effort. Unfortunately, their sustainability can be quickly compromised, but we are prepared to re-engage when needed and welcomed, as highlighted by Karlin.
USAID did not respond to Fortune’s request for comment.
The funding from Washington, channeled through entities like USAID, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Department of Defense, constitutes the primary financial backing for EGPAF. This support is supplemented by grants from organizations such as the Gates Foundation. Some funding is sourced from PEPFAR, initiated by President George W. Bush, which has significantly impacted global health outcomes. EGPAF had hoped for continued support due to its alignment with PEPFAR’s mission.
The rationale behind funding initiatives to combat HIV remains unchanged since 2003. In addition to humanitarian considerations, these efforts safeguard American lives. The interconnected nature of our world underscores the importance of global health initiatives, as emphasized by Karlin. Advances in HIV prevention and treatment, including technologies like long-lasting injections, benefit individuals worldwide.
Amidst misconceptions, it is clarified that EGPAF’s operations do not involve purchasing a billion condoms for Gaza. The organization operates in the Gaza province of Mozambique, not the conflict-affected territory in the Middle East. Elon Musk’s initial claims were erroneous, and Karlin confirmed that EGPAF was not procuring condoms for Gaza.
Fortune’s inquiries to the White House and the Department of State remain unanswered.
TE and DOGE did not receive a response. The confusion surrounding these significant sums of money reflects the broader disorder currently being reported within the federal government. Instances include a DOGE employee mistakenly granted access to alter sensitive Treasury information, USAID staff allegedly being locked out of their Washington offices, and uncertainty regarding whether Musk or the cabinet bears responsibility for staff reductions.
Organizations such as the Gates Foundation have reached out to EGPAF to inquire about assisting in filling the 90% funding gap created by the U.S. government. However, Karlin expressed that filling such a substantial void immediately is impractical without a proper transition plan. She remains hopeful that EGPAF’s efforts will be acknowledged and funding restored, drawing attention to Musk’s acknowledgment of briefly halting Ebola prevention measures.
Karlin remains optimistic but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining that outlook in current times. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing terminated initiatives to prevent severe consequences, urging for continuity to avoid loss of life.
If your organization has been affected by federal aid cuts, please contact eleanor.pringle@fortune.com. This article was originally published on Fortune.com.
