Zimbabwe's New Start Centre suspends ART, PrEP refills

The Population Solutions for Health (PSH) New Start Centre in Harare's Central Business District (CBD) has temporarily suspended its services for patients on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and those seeking PrEP refills.

The suspension of these services comes in the wake of a recent cessation of USAID funding, attributed to the implementation of former President Donald Trump's “America First" policy, which has resulted in significant reductions to funding for global health initiatives.

A visit to the New Start Centre on Thursday revealed that the facility is currently only providing HIV testing services, with other vital programs such as family planning and cervical cancer screening now on hold. A notice displayed at the entrance of the centre informs visitors that services for ART and PrEP refills have been suspended, advising individuals to visit local clinics for assistance instead.

"Please note that the New Start Centre is temporarily closed. For those due for (Antiretroviral Treatment) ART or PrEP refills, please proceed to the nearest city health clinic for assistance. Thank you for understanding," the notice reads.

PrEP, a medication designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact, has been a crucial tool in Zimbabwe's fight against the disease. The centre had previously offered a range of integrated clinical services, including HIV testing, TB screening and treatment, cervical cancer screening, and family planning, along with sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment. The recent funding cut has disrupted these vital services, leaving many individuals in need of treatment in limbo.

A receptionist at the centre confirmed the situation, stating, “The clinic is only open for those who want to be tested for HIV. We are currently not offering other services."

This suspension of services is not limited to Harare, with similar disruptions being reported in Masvingo. The centre, which has long been a vital resource for people living with HIV, is now struggling to meet the growing demand for treatment and preventative care due to the financial constraints brought about by the US policy shift.

Former President Trump's “America First" policy, which focused on redirecting US taxpayer money towards domestic concerns, has had far-reaching effects, halting millions of dollars in funding for local civil society organizations (CSOs) and impacting global health efforts. This includes funding for programs like PEPFAR, which plays a critical role in supporting Zimbabwe's HIV and sexual health programs.

PEPFAR has been instrumental in supplying Zimbabwe with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), condoms, and technical support for over 1,600 public hospitals and clinics. Currently, around 1.2 million Zimbabweans benefit from PEPFAR's programs, and its funding is a cornerstone in the country's fight against HIV.

The United States' role as a major funder of development, particularly in the health and education sectors, has raised growing concerns about the consequences of these funding cuts. With vital programs suspended, patients relying on ART and PrEP face uncertain futures, while the broader efforts to combat sexually transmitted diseases are at risk of stalling.

The suspension of services at the New Start Centre highlights the broader implications of international policy shifts on local health initiatives, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the funding cuts. The immediate impact is being felt by those who depend on the centre for essential healthcare services, and it remains to be seen how Zimbabwe's health sector will navigate the resulting challenges.