The World Health Organisation, WHO says the United States’ suspension of funding to the President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief, PEPFAR has caused an immediate stop to HIV treatment, testing and prevention services in 50 countries.

Jamaica is among the countries supported by PEPFAR.

The Donald Trump administration recently announced its decision to leave the WHO and reportedly froze new funds for PEPFAR and other aid programmes.

The WHO says although a waiver has been granted for life-saving services, it does not include prevention services for some of the most at-risk groups.

It says despite the waiver, clinics in many countries have had to close their doors.

During a media briefing this morning Director-General of the WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the global health body is gathering data on service disruptions and is assisting countries where possible.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says there is no plan to halt programmes funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief, PEPFAR.

He told Irie FM News that resources allocated under the programme have not been depleted and as a result, the initiatives continue.

Dr. Tufton said the government is hoping to find an alternative solution to PEPFAR if necessary. 

Among the PEPFAR-supported HIV treatment sites in Jamaica are Jamaica Aids Support for Life Kingston, St. Ann and Montego Bay locations, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James and Duncans Health Centre in Trelawny.