Growing concerns as KZN health group could lose funding
KwaZulu-Natal-based health care group, MatCH says the decision by the US to stop its funding has left staff devastated and worried at the prospect of losing their jobs.
Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health System is a community-based primary health care programme operating in eThekwini and Umgungundlovu.
USAID has been MatCH's funder.
Executive Director Arti Ramkison says they were recently told the funding will come to an end in September.
Ramkison is baffled by the decision - which she says comes despite them meeting their targets for combating HIV - and government support.
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"They said that the decision was made in Washington and that there is no specific reason that has been given. There was talk about performance, however USAID understands that MatCH is performing. Although there is talk - the data does not reflect that," Ramkison said.
She says staff members are feeling uncertain about their future as they are faced with letting 600 workers go.
"It's completely devastating and it's really difficult to keep going to work and doing the work you should be doing everyday. People are feeling ill, they are taking sick leave, they are depressed. It is a very difficult situation to be in especially since there is no tangible reason for this decision," she added.
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