Community members in Evaton, south of Johannesburg, gathered at the Emthonjeni Awareness Centre on Thursday to receive food parcels donated by the U.S. Department of Social Development. The aid distribution comes at a critical time as uncertainty looms over continued support due to a U.S. foreign aid freeze.
Emthonjeni Awareness Centre, a non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting orphans and vulnerable children affected by the HIV pandemic, also runs programs aimed at empowering women and youth in the community.
However, the NGO is among many impacted by the suspension of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID funding, following an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump shortly after his return to the White House.
The sudden halt to U.S. foreign aid, which has traditionally supported a range of initiatives across Africa—including disease response, girls’ education, and free school lunches—has left many beneficiaries and staff members anxious about the future.
Angelina Msimanga, a recipient of the NGO’s support, expressed her concerns about the potential consequences of losing aid.
“I wish that the NGO could continue helping people living with HIV/AIDS so they can stay on their treatment and live a healthy life like others,” Msimanga said, recalling a time when she defaulted on her medication due to lack of assistance.
With the U.S. being one of the largest foreign aid donors, the abrupt funding freeze has raised fears over the sustainability of vital programs supporting vulnerable communities. As local organizations scramble to find alternative funding sources, the future of thousands who rely on these programs remains uncertain.
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