The Rising Anxiety in Soweto, Kayole clinic Amid Funding Cuts. 

The state of psychological wellness in Soweto, Kayole community has worsened recently, affecting both patients and healthcare personnel. This follows the announcement of USAID’s withdrawal of funding for HIV/AIDS and TB medications, there has been a significant increase in anxiety among patients regarding their future healthcare. Fredrick Baraza, who is a certified psychiatrist and works at the clinic shared his concerns with us.  “Patients have expressed a lot of anxiety about what will happen to them if there isn’t a restoration in the health sector. Many are worried about how they will cover their medical expenses, especially regarding their medication.” 

Fredrick Baraza, who has worked at the clinic for fifteen years now, in HIV patient counselling as well as the project assistant officer at the clinic, expressed the significant benefits the clinic has provided to the residents of Soweto Kayole. 

“I have worked at the clinic for fifteen years as a psychiatrist, attending to a considerable number of patients dealing with various issues, including HIV/AIDS, family problems, and school-aged children suffering from the effects of drug and substance abuse. This experience has highlighted the need for psychological support for the people of Soweto Kayole,” Fredrick explained. 

The personnel at the clinic have also been impacted by the USAID withdrawal, as some have lost their jobs while others who have returned are uncertain about their future. “The staff were informed they would receive two months of paid service starting in March, but the lack of job security has left many concerned,” he explained. Fredrick highlighted how the shortage of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and TB medications is affecting patients. “Before USAID’s withdrawal, ARVs were sufficiently supplied, allowing a patient to receive a three-month dosage. Now, that same dosage is being divided among two or three patients. This drastic change has left patients in an anxious state, uncertain about the continuity of their medication supply,” he said. 

In addition to his psychiatric duties, Baraza also works as a cashier at the clinic. He noted the difficulties arising from the funding withdrawal and the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA). “I have seen many patients struggling to pay for their medications, particularly given the high levels of poverty in the region and the complications arising from the shift to SHA, which leaves some patients without coverage and unable to afford their bills. As a result, the clinic sometimes has to operate on a charity basis to meet medical needs,” Baraza affirmed. He recounted a recent incident in which a man was picked up from his home by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in critical condition. “He needed emergency attention before being transferred to Mama Lucy Hospital, which is close by, While we managed to treat him, there was no one to cover his medical expenses, Now thats a challenge because we could not hold him at the clinic we had to release him. ” Baraza elaborated.”Despite these challenges, the clinic is committed to continuing to serve the community to the best of its ability,” he assured.