Filemon Nehemia (31) from Walvis Bay is facing a bleak future after his employer told him his services as a circumcision mobiliser were no longer needed.
This follows the move by United States (US) president Donald Trump to cut funding to all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) foreign assistance programmes.
Trump claims this is to evaluate whether USAID programmes align with his ‘America first’ policy.
The executive order that was signed on his first day in office affects many countries, including Namibia.
Nehemia has been working for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programme since 2022.
The programme was implemented by Abt Associates, a USAID consulting and research firm that aims to improve the livelihoods of individuals globally and boost equity.
Nehemia says the news of a possible funding shutdown was a huge blow to him and his colleagues, who spend their time among the Walvis Bay community educating members on circumcision.
“People are really eager to be circumcised. Some have been calling me, asking about the way forward, as I had already registered them for the procedure.
“I refer them to the Kuisebmond Health Centre, where circumcisions are performed. I can no longer go there to continue with health education.
“I used to pay for my accommodation with that money. I have no idea how I will pay the rent for my shack now. The notice came without warning,” he says.
The VMMC drive’s services have reached Namibian men across 11 regions.
‘BENEFICIARIES WON’T SURVIVE’
The manager of one of USAID’s programmes at Walvis Bay, who prefers to remain anonymous, says employees could still find other jobs, but there is little chance of beneficiaries surviving.
“We’ve been taking care of community members whose lives depend on our services.
You get attached to these people. It is almost like seeing family whenever they come for treatment, services or medication.
“We still have HIV-positive people out there who do not come for treatment. We usually go out to mobilise them so that treatment can bring survival. We can no longer do it,” he says.
Last year, the US embassy in Namibia announced that 270 000 Namibian boys and men had been circumcised with the support of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar).
It also indicated that since 2015, Pepfar has invested US$40 million (N$737 million) to support VMMC services in Namibia, of which US$15 million (N$267 million) were invested through USAID in 2019.
USAID programmes in the Erongo region focus on improving access to healthcare, including HIV-AIDS prevention and treatment, education initiatives, water sanitation and economic development.
These programmes are often carried out in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as government entities.
The Erongo community has been benefiting from HIV-AIDS prevention and treatment programmes, maternal and child health services and tuberculosis control programmes, among others.
The education sector benefited from teacher training and development programmes, early childhood development initiatives, and quality education, particularly for girls, while economic development was boosted through skills training programmes, community-based water management projects and small and medium enterprise development.
‘ALREADY PANICKING’
Walvis Bay Rural constituency councillor Donatus Tegako says the possible shutdown of funding to USAID programmes will have a negative impact on the community and the country.
He says beneficiaries and NGO employees in the Erongo region are already panicking.
Tegako says the situation would contribute to more unemployment, especially among young people, who will left in the cold despite their tertiary qualifications.
“Some regional AIDS coordinating committees focal persons at constituency offices are also working for USAID-funded organisations, while others have offices in the community.
“It used to help them earn a bit of money. Now that this portion of money will be taken away, they also lose a huge source of income.
“The one working at my office was busy with a circumcision programme when they received the news, and people really wanted to be circumcised,” he says.
Tegako, however, says the government should find ways of absorbing the affected service providers into the Ministry of Health and Social Services and come up with ways to cater to those who used to benefit from healthcare services.
LARGEST CONTRIBUTOR
USAID is the largest contributor to humanitarian assistance in the world, yet only makes up 1% of US federal funding.
In its absence, the most vulnerable populations globally stand to suffer.
In Namibia, this funding supported those living with HIV-AIDS, conservation efforts, and populations affected by drought, women, and children.
The Pepfar programme, which had a budget of US$6.9 billion in 2023, has been particularly vital.
The programme helped distribute medication that prevents the spread of HIV and prevents HIV from developing into AIDS.
Project Hope, another NGO funded by USAID, provides testing and prevention for young people, promotes education and work opportunities, funds school materials, and provides information on HIV, maternal health and gender-based violence.
According to a 2020 IntraHealth report, over 36 600 adults and children have been able to access antiretroviral therapy, giving them a chance at living long and healthy lives.
Since then more and more signs have been pointing towards a permanent shutdown.
Agency staffers have found themselves locked out of its computer system and told not to enter the office.
Billionaire Elon Musk announced on X that Trump agreed to get rid of the agency entirely.
He suggested it was run by “radical lunatics” and said it was “time for it to die”.
LEGALLY CHALLENGED
The issue of whether the total freeze can continue will be the subject of courtrooms in the US in the coming weeks.
Democrats and agency staffers argue that the president does not have the power to shut down foreign aid without congressional approval.
Others believe a president’s powers in the realm of foreign affairs are vast, and only subject to extremely limited review by courts and lawmakers.
Executive director of health and social services Ben Nangombe yesterday said he needed to consult with his team before he could comment.
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