Mozambique’s Finance Minister Discusses Healthcare Aid Suspension with US Ambassador
Mozambique’s Finance Minister Carla Louveira stated that suspension of US aid will severely impact healthcare, particularly in HIV/AIDS programs. Despite this, she aims for deeper cooperation with the US government and emphasized ongoing support from PEPFAR. US Ambassador Peter Vrooman assured that American assistance will continue.
Carla Louveira, the Finance Minister of Mozambique, acknowledged that the healthcare sector will experience significant impacts due to the suspension of foreign aid from the United States, initiated during the Trump administration. As reported by “Mediafax,” Louveira conveyed the government’s intention to enhance cooperation and friendship with the United States across various sectors.
During an audience with US ambassador Peter Vrooman, Louveira expressed optimism regarding the relationship between Mozambique and the US. She highlighted that the American government has historically been a vital partner in supporting the national health system, particularly through agencies such as USAID, the CDC, and PEPFAR.
The Minister raised concerns regarding how the suspension of US funding affects critical health programs, especially those addressing HIV/AIDS, which jeopardizes efforts for testing, counseling, treatment, and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Louveira lamented that this suspension poses a substantial challenge for the health sector, compromising essential health services and undermining vital strategic programs aimed at combatting diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.
The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the funding suspension exacerbates these challenges, particularly as Mozambique’s 2025 budget lacks resources to address this void. In response, Vrooman reassured that PEPFAR funding would continue, which is vital for preventing HIV infections, including transmission from mothers to their infants.
In conclusion, the suspension of US aid poses significant challenges for Mozambique’s healthcare sector, crucially impacting HIV/AIDS programs. Despite Minister Louveira’s concerns about the future and the current state budget’s limitations, ongoing support through PEPFAR was assured by US ambassador Vrooman, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in health initiatives.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
