The New Start Centre in Harare’s CBD has temporarily suspended services for patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and those seeking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) refills, according to NewZimbabwe.com.
This interruption follows the recent end of USAID funding due to the impact of President Donald Trump’s America First policy.
A visit by NewZimbabwe.com revealed that the center is currently only offering HIV testing services, while other programs, including family planning and cervical cancer screenings, have been paused.
A notice posted at the entrance informed visitors that for ART or PrEP refills, they should visit nearby city health clinics instead.
The notice reads: “Please note that the New Start Centre is temporarily closed. For those due for ART or PrEP refills, please proceed to the nearest city health clinic for assistance. Thank you for understanding.”
PrEP, a medication used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sexual activity, is among the services now unavailable at the center. Staff at the center confirmed that only HIV testing is currently being provided.
A similar situation is being reported in Masvingo, where the cessation of funding is affecting health services.
The centre has typically offered integrated clinical services, such as HIV testing, PrEP, tuberculosis (TB) screening and treatment, cervical cancer services, contraceptives, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatments.
This change in funding follows President Trump’s announcement that U.S. foreign aid would be redirected to prioritize domestic needs, with the goal of ensuring the “reasonable use of taxpayer money.” As a result, millions of U.S. dollars in aid for local civil society organizations have been halted, with global consequences.
The U.S. has been a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s health sector, especially in combating HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds the majority of HIV prevention efforts in Zimbabwe, including the distribution of condoms and antiretroviral drugs, benefiting about 1.2 million Zimbabweans.
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Furthermore, over 1,600 public hospitals and clinics have received U.S. government training and support.
As the funding cuts take effect, there are growing concerns about the impact on health programs in Zimbabwe.
