By Bunmi Yekini
The U.S. State Department Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) and agencies overseeing the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have taken swift action after discovering a violation of abortion-related restrictions in Mozambique. The U.S. government has condemned the violation, suspending funding and implementing corrective measures.
“This violation is unacceptable, and we have made that clear at all levels of program implementation,” said a spokesperson from the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. “Our compliance mechanisms identified this issue, and we took immediate corrective action with the partner involved.”
The action included securing reimbursement from the Government of Mozambique for the salaries of four health workers who violated the award’s terms and conditions. To prevent future incidents, PEPFAR has introduced new preventive measures, such as requiring an annual signed attestation from clinical service providers funded by the program, ensuring ongoing compliance with U.S. funding restrictions.
“PEPFAR is working with the Government of Mozambique and other partner countries to reinforce compliance measures at all levels,” the statement continued. “We are committed to meeting all legislative requirements as we continue to deliver on our lifesaving mission.”
PEPFAR, a U.S. government initiative that has been active in over 55 countries, has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, saving over 26 million lives since its inception in 2003. Despite this setback, GHSD and all PEPFAR agencies remain focused on ending HIV as a public health threat globally.