A 21-year-old South African woman living with HIV, Ibanomonde Ngema, has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider funding cuts to life-saving HIV programs in low-income countries.
According to the lady, such a move could reverse significant progress made in combating the virus. Ngema, who was born with HIV, is known for her advocacy work and positive outlook on life, often sharing her experiences to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
In her words; “We must also face the current challenges that threaten the very progress that we have made. Global collaboration and community efforts saved my life. It is because of ART international support and global health programs that I’m here. But right now, we are at risk of losing all of that progress. USAID withdrawal from the WHO and funding cuts for PEPFAR are threatening the lives of millions of people just like me living with HIV just like me especially in countries just like ours. South Africa is heavily burdened by HIV/AIDS. South Africa has a large population of people living with HIV and PEPFAR has been a lifeline. So if these cuts go through, millions of lives could lose access to treatment.”
Watch the video below:
@ibanomonde Replying to @PhilaniMpunziMtshali #fypシ #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #hivawareness #hiv #relatable #usaid