US Funding Cuts: Hope for Trans Community in Buffalo City

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has stepped in to provide gender-affirming care for the transgender community in Buffalo City following funding cuts by the United States government.

The recent decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to cut funding through USAID to South Africa has had severe repercussions. Among them was the closure of the gender-affirming clinic run by WITS RHI at Duncan Village Day Hospital (DVDH) in East London.

Eastern Cape Health Department Steps In

The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in Buffalo City has confirmed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH) has now pledged to ensure that patients receiving gender-affirming hormone treatment are not left without care.

Dr Madeleine Muller, a family physician from the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital Family Medicine Department, will run an outreach clinic at DVDH twice a month.

This initiative will enable transgender individuals to continue accessing essential prescriptions and blood tests, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of gender-affirming treatment.

LGBTQ+ Organisations Welcome the Move

OUT LGBT Well-being praised the ECDoH’s response to USAID’s funding withdrawal, recognising the importance of maintaining inclusive healthcare services.

“We commend their commitment to ensuring continued support for vulnerable communities, particularly the transgender community,” said Sibonelo Ncanana-Trower from OUT LGBT Well-being in a statement.

“Access to life-saving ARVs and hormonal treatment is critical for transgender individuals, as it not only affirms their identity but also plays a vital role in maintaining their health and keeping them adherent to treatment.”

Notshayina Skepe from Access Chapter 2 also welcomed the announcement of the new services.

“Transgender people in Buffalo City should not live in fear of losing essential healthcare,” said Skepe. “We are immensely grateful to Dr Muller and her team for their commitment, and to the Eastern Cape government for prioritising our community’s health and well-being.”

Call for Sustainable, Locally Funded Healthcare

GSA argues that the US funding cuts highlight the urgent need for South Africa to reduce its reliance on international aid to provide healthcare solutions for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

“We urge government departments nationwide to follow the Eastern Cape’s example by ensuring access to gender-affirming care, regardless of external funding circumstances,” said the organisation.

The transgender care outreach clinic dates at the Duncan Village Day Hospital (24 Phoenix St, Braelyn, East London) for April are Monday, 14 April 2025, from 13:30 to 16:00, and Friday, 25 April 2025, from 13:00 to 16:00.