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Tag: Pause

  • Trump agrees to pause Canadian tariffs, Trudeau says


    President Donald Trump will pause additional tariffs on Canadian imports for 30 days after a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who made some concessions to temporarily stave off the levies. 

    Trump and Trudeau spoke via phone on Monday, hours before additional 25% tariffs were to take effect on Canadian goods coming into the United States. In a post on X, Trudeau said Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan and appoint a fentanyl czar.

    In addition, Canada will reinforce its border with new helicopters, technology, personnel and enhanced coordination with American authorities. He added that nearly 10,000 personnel are and will be working on border protection.

    TRUMP DEFENDS TARIFFS, ACCUSES CANADA OF BEING ‘VERY ABUSIVE OF THE UNITED STATES’

    President Donald Trump talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the plenary session of the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford, northeast of London, on Dec. 4, 2019. (Nicholas Kamm)

    “We will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering,” Trudeau wrote. “I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.”

    “Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together,” he added.

    Trump has long said Canada and Mexico have failed to do enough to prevent the flow of illegal migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, from those nations into the U.S. In addition, Trump claims the U.S. has subsidized Canada to the tune of $200 billion annually. 

    ‘OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC’: BIPARTISAN SENATORS TARGET FENTANYL CLASSIFICATION AS LAPSE APPROACHES

    These bags of fentanyl were seized in Nogales, Ariz., in October 2022. (CBP)

    “We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all,” Trump wrote in a statement on Saturday, when he imposed the tariffs. “I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.” 

    Hours before his call with Trudeau, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would deploy 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border over tariff threats. 

    Trump has promised to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian energy and a 10% tariff on all goods entering the U.S. from China. The tariffs on Canada and China were set to go into effect Tuesday at midnight. 

    Trucks drive across the Blue Water Bridge at the border crossing between the U.S. and Point Edward in Ontario, Canada, on Feb. 3, 2025. (Geoff Robins/AFP via Getty Images)

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    Threats prompted leaders in multiple Canadian provinces to pledge to remove American alcohol from store shelves. 



    In a positive turn of events, President Trump has agreed to pause imposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today. This decision comes after weeks of negotiations between the two countries, with Trudeau expressing relief that the tariffs will not be implemented for the time being. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation. #tariffs #Canada #Trump #Trudeau

    Tags:

    Donald Trump, Canadian tariffs, trade agreement, Justin Trudeau, international relations, economic impact, United States, Canada, political negotiation, trade war, diplomatic relations.

    #Trump #agrees #pause #Canadian #tariffs #Trudeau

  • Trudeau says Trump will pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days


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    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Trump has agreed to pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days. NBC News White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor reports on the steps Canada announced to secure the U.S. – Canada border.Feb. 3, 2025

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In a recent announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that US President Donald Trump has agreed to pause tariffs on Canada for a period of 30 days. This comes as a welcome relief for both countries, as tensions have been running high over trade disputes in recent months.

Trudeau stated that the temporary halt in tariffs will allow for further negotiations between the two nations to find a resolution to the ongoing trade disagreements. This move is seen as a positive step towards de-escalating the trade war between the US and Canada, and signals a willingness on both sides to work towards a mutually beneficial solution.

While the exact details of the negotiations have not been disclosed, Trudeau expressed optimism that progress can be made during this 30-day period. Both countries are hoping to reach a compromise that will benefit their economies and strengthen their trade relationship.

Overall, Trudeau’s announcement of the temporary pause in tariffs on Canada is a promising development in the ongoing trade tensions between the US and its northern neighbor. It remains to be seen what will come out of the negotiations in the next 30 days, but for now, both sides are hopeful for a positive outcome.

Tags:

  1. Trudeau
  2. Trump
  3. Tariffs
  4. Canada
  5. Trade
  6. Agreement
  7. Pause
  8. 30 days
  9. International relations
  10. Economic news

#Trudeau #Trump #pause #tariffs #Canada #days

  • Trump to pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days, Trudeau says – live updates


    What impact will this have on the flow of migrants?

    Bernd Debusmann Jr
    Reporting from the White House

    Watch: Mexico’s president announces border agreement with Trump

    As part of today’s agreement to “pause” the tariffs on Mexico, the Mexican government had promised to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to the northern border, in part, to stop the flow of undocumented migrants to the US border.

    While different in scale, this is not the first time that Mexico has cracked down on migrants headed to the US.

    Last year – during the Biden administration – Mexico deployed some forces to its southern border with Guatemala and in southern Mexican cities that have become hubs for migrants, which led to a significant increase in the number of migrants intercepted before they arrived at the US border.

    In January and February last year alone, about 120,000 people were detained. The vast majority remained in Mexico, with only limited deportations of about 8,000 people to Guatemala and Honduras in the same time frame.

    In practice, the crackdown – which followed a December meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mexican officials including López Obrador – has seen Mexican security forces set up new checkpoints on roads, increase patrols and, in some cases, remove migrants from freight trains headed towards the US border.

    Read more about how the Mexican military played a part in stemming the flow of migrants.



    In a recent development, President Trump has announced a 30-day pause on tariffs imposed on Canada. This decision comes after discussions between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Stay tuned for live updates on this significant development in international trade relations. #Trump #Canada #tariffs #Trudeau #liveupdates

    Tags:

    1. Trump tariffs Canada
    2. Trudeau live updates
    3. US-Canada trade
    4. Tariff negotiations
    5. Trump trade policy
    6. Canada-US relations
    7. International trade news
    8. Trump tariff pause
    9. Trudeau announcement
    10. Economic diplomacy

    #Trump #pause #tariffs #Canada #days #Trudeau #live #updates

  • Mexico agrees to deploy 10,000 troops to US border in exchange for tariff pause


    Mexico has agreed to deploy 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in exchange for a one-month delay on President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday.

    Sheinbaum made the announcement on social media Monday morning, roughly 12 hours before the tariffs were set to take effect. Trump and Sheinbaum spoke on Monday and agreed that Mexico will do more to combat drug trafficking into the U.S., and that the U.S. will step up efforts to block the flow of firearms into Mexico.

    Sheinbaum also said officials with the U.S. and Mexico were beginning talks on wider trade and security issues.

    Trump confirmed the deal in his own post on Truth Social, describing the call with Sheinbaum as a “very friendly conversation.”

    RNC CHAIR, AFTER CRUISING TO RE-ELECTION, VOWS TO BE ‘TIP OF SPEAR’ TO PROTECT TRUMP

    Mexican President Claudia Claudia Sheinbaum spoke with President Donald Trump on Monday and came to an agreement regarding tariffs and the U.S.-Mexico border. (Getty Images)

    “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country,” Trump wrote.

    TRUMP IMPOSES TARIFFS ON IMPORTS FROM CANADA, MEXICO AND CHINA: ‘NATIONAL EMERGENCY’

    “We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a ‘deal’ between our two Countries,” he added.

    Mexico will send 10,000 national guard troops to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border against drug trafficking and illegal immigration. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)

    The deal comes just days after Trump announced 25% tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, as well as 10% tariffs on China. Trump says he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, but the pair did not reach an agreement. He says they will speak again later Monday.

    The tariffs are set to take effect at midnight on Tuesday.

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slighted the U.S. by encouraging Canadians to “buy Canada” in response to the tariffs.

    Canada Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on citizens to “buy Canada” in response to Trump’s threat of tariffs. (AP/Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

    “Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada,” Trudeau wrote on X. “Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    During Sunday’s exchange with reporters, Trump also discussed the prospect of cutting off aid to South Africa after its president signed a controversial land seizure measure.

    Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.



    In a recent development, Mexico has agreed to deploy 10,000 troops to the US border in exchange for a pause on tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump. This agreement comes after weeks of tense negotiations between the two countries over the issue of immigration.

    The decision to deploy troops to the border is aimed at curbing the flow of migrants crossing into the United States illegally. This move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal immigration, which has been a major point of contention between the two countries.

    President Trump had threatened to impose escalating tariffs on Mexican goods if the country did not take action to curb the flow of migrants. However, with this new agreement, the tariffs have been put on hold, providing some relief to both countries.

    The deployment of troops to the border is expected to begin immediately and will continue until the issue of illegal immigration is brought under control. This move is seen as a positive step towards addressing a complex and contentious issue that has strained relations between the US and Mexico.

    Overall, this agreement represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration and demonstrates the importance of diplomacy and cooperation between nations.

    Tags:

    1. Mexico-US border agreement
    2. Troops deployment deal
    3. Tariff pause negotiation
    4. Mexico border security
    5. Immigration policy update
    6. US-Mexico relations
    7. Military presence at border
    8. Tariff negotiations with Mexico
    9. Border security agreement
    10. Immigration troop deployment

    #Mexico #agrees #deploy #troops #border #exchange #tariff #pause

  • Trump officials plan to pause some federal government websites to remove diversity-related content


    Trump enacting tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China


    Trump enacting 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, 10% tariff on China

    02:10

    The Trump administration plans to pause some federal government websites in order to remove content contrary to the president’s thinking, administration officials told CBS News.

    Word spread quickly throughout Washington that action would be taken to change federal websites.  

    Politico reported earlier in the day that Agriculture Department employees had been ordered to delete landing pages on climate change across agency websites, according to an internal email, and the directive had come from the USDA’s communications office.

    Multiple officials from health departments and nonprofits receiving federal funding say they’ve been told to scrub mentions of gender and equity from their programs, in order to comply with President Trump’s executive order this week, CBS News confirmed. Reuters first reported this directive.

    It’s unclear how health departments and nonprofits would be able to comply with the sweeping instructions in many situations, especially given many health programs were explicitly designed to overcome equity gaps or diseases that have disproportionately affected transgender people.

    One local health official said that Trump administration officials had said over the long term, grantees might also need to comply with the federal order banning pronouns in email signatures, which had initially been thought to extend only to federal staff.

    Letters obtained by CBS News sent to grant recipients cite the “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs” and “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism” executive orders for the sweeping instructions.

    President Trump, asked by reporters in the Oval Office Friday if websites would be shut down to remove diversity-related content, replied, “If they want to scrub the websites, that’s OK with me.”

    Kathryn Watson

    contributed to this report.



    In a controversial move, Trump administration officials have announced plans to temporarily pause some federal government websites in order to remove diversity-related content. This decision has sparked outrage among critics who argue that diversity and inclusion are crucial aspects of government operations.

    The officials have cited concerns about the accuracy and relevance of the diversity-related content on these websites, claiming that it may not align with the administration’s priorities. This move comes amidst a broader push by the Trump administration to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives across various government agencies.

    Critics have condemned this decision as a blatant attempt to erase the progress made in promoting diversity and equality within the federal government. They argue that diversity is essential for ensuring that all voices are heard and that policies are inclusive of all communities.

    It remains to be seen how this pause in website content removal will impact diversity initiatives within the federal government. However, many are calling for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process to ensure that diversity remains a priority in government operations.

    Tags:

    1. Trump administration
    2. Government websites
    3. Diversity content
    4. Federal agencies
    5. Political news
    6. Trump officials
    7. Government website pause
    8. Diversity removal
    9. Federal content update
    10. Government diversity policy

    #Trump #officials #plan #pause #federal #government #websites #remove #diversityrelated #content

  • Faster Horses Festival announces pause for 2025 | Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM


    Faster Horses Festival is announcing they are taking a pause for 2025.

    The three-day country music festival is held at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan in July.

    The festival sent out a news release saying, “We are taking the year to make plans for a bigger and better Faster Horses for our fans who deserve the absolute best.”

    “We love our friends at Michigan International Speedway, the community, and all of those behind the scenes. While we hope to bring you something in the future, for now we encourage you to keep the community strong and support live music in Michigan!”

    No line-up had been released for this year.





    Faster Horses Festival announces pause for 2025

    In a surprising announcement, Faster Horses Festival has revealed that they will be taking a hiatus in 2025. The popular country music festival, which has been a staple in the summer concert scene for years, made the decision to pause in order to regroup and come back stronger in the future.

    Fans of the festival, known for its high-energy performances and rowdy crowds, are sure to be disappointed by the news. However, organizers have promised that the break will allow them to focus on improving the overall experience for attendees and ensuring that the festival continues to be a top-notch event in the years to come.

    While the pause may be disappointing for some, it seems that the decision was made with the best intentions for the festival’s future. Stay tuned for updates on when Faster Horses Festival will return and what exciting changes may be in store for the beloved event.

    Tags:

    • Faster Horses Festival
    • 2025 festival news
    • Faster Horses Festival update
    • Country music festival
    • Michigan music festival
    • Faster Horses Festival 2025 pause
    • Newsradio WOOD 1300
    • 106.9 FM news
    • Music festival hiatus
    • Faster Horses Festival announcement

    #Faster #Horses #Festival #announces #pause #Newsradio #WOOD

  • Faster Horses country music festival hits pause for 2025


    The Faster Horses festival, an annual staple on the summer concert schedule for more than a decade, is taking a “pause” this year, organizers said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

    Fans have fun while Jackson Dean performs during the annual Faster Horses Festival at the Michigan International Speedway on July 19, 2024 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek-Special to The Detroit News)

    “Dear Fans, we have made the decision to pause Faster Horses Festival in 2025. We are taking the year to make plans for a bigger and better Faster Horses for our fans who deserve the absolute best,” organizers said in statement posted to the festival’s website.

    The three-day country music festival at Brooklyn’s Michigan International Speedway launched in 2013 and has hosted many of country music’s top acts, including Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban and more.



    It’s official – Faster Horses country music festival is hitting pause for the year 2025. The popular music festival, known for its star-studded lineup and lively atmosphere, has announced that they will not be hosting an event next year.

    In a statement released by festival organizers, they cited various reasons for the decision to take a break, including concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. While fans may be disappointed, the safety and well-being of attendees, artists, and staff remain a top priority.

    Despite the hiatus for 2025, organizers reassured fans that they are already planning for the festival’s return in 2026, promising an even bigger and better experience for country music lovers. In the meantime, fans can look forward to updates and announcements about the festival’s comeback in the coming months.

    So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information on Faster Horses country music festival’s return in 2026. In the meantime, let’s keep the country music spirit alive and look forward to an unforgettable experience when the festival makes its triumphant comeback.

    Tags:

    • Faster Horses
    • Country music festival
    • Faster Horses 2025
    • Music festival news
    • Country music events
    • Faster Horses lineup
    • Live music festival
    • Faster Horses Michigan
    • Music festival updates
    • Faster Horses hiatus

    #Faster #Horses #country #music #festival #hits #pause

  • Trump administration to pause federal government websites in effort to eliminate DEI, anti-Trump content


    The Trump administration will put a pause on most federal government websites Friday evening in an effort to eliminate DEI content and any language opposed to President Trump’s agenda, Fox News Digital has learned. 

    A Trump administration official told Fox News Digital that federal government websites are expected to go dark at around 5:00 p.m. Friday evening.

    The official told Fox News Digital that the length of the pause on federal websites is unclear at this time, but will seek to remove content that is “anti-Trump administration.” 

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 

    Brooke Singman is a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel and FOX Business.



    The Trump administration has announced plans to pause federal government websites in an effort to eliminate content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as anti-Trump material. This move comes as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to suppress dissenting voices and promote a more narrow, pro-Trump agenda.

    Critics of the decision have raised concerns about the impact this could have on government transparency and the ability of the public to access important information. By limiting access to DEI resources and information critical of the Trump administration, the government risks further polarizing the country and stifling important conversations about social justice and equality.

    It remains to be seen how this decision will be implemented and what specific content will be targeted for removal. However, it is clear that the Trump administration’s actions are a concerning step towards limiting the free flow of information and promoting a more narrow, partisan message. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Trump administration
    2. Federal government
    3. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
    4. Anti-Trump
    5. Government websites
    6. Trump policies
    7. Political censorship
    8. Online content
    9. Federal government news
    10. Trump administration actions

    #Trump #administration #pause #federal #government #websites #effort #eliminate #DEI #antiTrump #content

  • Emergency Humanitarian Waiver to Foreign Assistance Pause


    To carry out President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, yesterday I approved an additional waiver of the pause for life-saving humanitarian assistance during the period of the review.

    Implementers of existing life-saving humanitarian assistance programs should continue or resume work if they have stopped, subject to the directions outlined in this waiver. This resumption is temporary in nature, and with limited exceptions as needed to continue life-saving humanitarian assistance programs, no new contracts shall be entered into.

    The full, signed waiver can be found here.



    In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or conflicts, swift and efficient humanitarian assistance is crucial to saving lives and providing relief to those in need. However, there are instances where bureaucratic processes and regulations can hinder the timely delivery of aid.

    That’s why the concept of an Emergency Humanitarian Waiver to Foreign Assistance Pause is so important. This waiver would allow humanitarian organizations and agencies to bypass certain restrictions and procedures that may delay or impede the delivery of aid in emergency situations.

    By implementing this waiver, governments and organizations can ensure that aid reaches those in need quickly and efficiently, without unnecessary delays or obstacles. This could mean the difference between life and death for countless individuals affected by crises around the world.

    It’s time for governments and policymakers to recognize the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in humanitarian assistance, and to prioritize the well-being and safety of those in need above all else. The implementation of an Emergency Humanitarian Waiver to Foreign Assistance Pause is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

    Tags:

    Emergency humanitarian waiver, foreign assistance pause, humanitarian aid, global crisis response, international aid, emergency relief efforts

    #Emergency #Humanitarian #Waiver #Foreign #Assistance #Pause

  • Pause on U.S. Funding Spreads Fear of H.I.V. Spike Across Africa


    As he does every three months, Sibusiso traveled on Wednesday morning to a clinic in the capital of Eswatini, a tiny southern African nation, to get a refill of the H.I.V. medication he needs to save his life. When he arrived, the door was locked and about 20 other patients stood outside, baffled that the clinic was closed.

    Sibusiso, 39 and unemployed, had heard rumors that President Trump was pulling funding for the program that supported his treatment. Now, though, he learned the reality: The Trump administration had ordered a halt to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, one of America’s most consequential aid programs in Africa.

    The abrupt pause of a $6.5 billion program established by former President George W. Bush and credited with saving the lives of tens of millions of people sent patients, clinicians and public health advocates across Africa into a panic. Many feared a return to some of the darkest days on the continent, when H.I.V. spread rapidly and a diagnosis was akin to a death sentence.

    As Sibusiso stood outside the clinic, he feared he could be next. He had taken the last of his antiretroviral medication that morning. And even though the Trump administration had backtracked, suddenly announcing on Tuesday that lifesaving medications and treatments could continue to be distributed, the clinic remained shuttered in the confusion.

    Sibusiso, standing outside, had no idea where or when he could get more medicine.

    “I’m now thinking of dying,” said Sibusiso, who requested that only his first name be used to protect his privacy. “What am I going to do without this treatment?”

    The Trump administration has said that foreign assistance programs will be paused for three months as it reviews how money is being spent. If the administration decides to end PEPFAR, it could lead to 600,000 deaths over the next decade in South Africa alone, where the program has its largest number of beneficiaries, according to a study.

    “The next 90 days are looking so dystopian,” said Nozizwe Ntsesang, the chief executive of a leading gay rights advocacy group in Botswana.

    Across South Africa and other countries in the region, fear and uncertainty are palpable. Some African leaders had shared optimism and excitement about a second Trump term. But now, one of his first moves appeared to put lives at risk.

    “I’m scared,” said a 19-year-old South African college student who was born with H.I.V. “People will die. It’s going back to the ’90s where people did not have enough medication to treat the disease.”

    The student, who also requested anonymity to protect her privacy, said the clinic that she goes to in Johannesburg gave her a three-month supply of her antiretroviral medication on Wednesday instead of the usual six months. Officials explained that they wanted to reserve some stock in case other clinics ran short, she said.

    PEPFAR does not provide medication for the South African health system, but it does employ around 13,000 medical professionals, from doctors to community health workers, who are responsible for ensuring that people are tested and seek proper treatment. Virtually all of those employees were ordered to stop working after the Trump administration froze foreign aid programs, according to health care advocates.

    The staff shortages, health workers and rights groups said, led to much larger crowds at public clinics in South Africa, where roughly eight million people are living with H.I.V. and 5.7 million receive treatment.

    Amid the chaos of the freeze and the Trump administration’s backpedaling, many clinics remained shuttered on Wednesday, with medical workers unsure about the new rules and patients frantic to secure their medication.

    Some patients have been forced to wait 10 hours for treatment, advocates said. There were also fears that, without counselors to talk to, some patients, especially those newly diagnosed with H.I.V., would not administer their treatments properly or seek help in the future.

    “The abrupt stop is not responsible,” said Solange Baptiste, the executive director of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, an organization that works to improve access to treatment for people with H.I.V. “Lives are at risk when you do that.”

    South Africa is in a better position than many other African countries. The government procures most of its H.I.V. drugs directly and relies on PEPFAR for only about 17 percent of its overall H.I.V. treatment budget.

    Neighboring Botswana, which has received nearly $72 million in aid from PEPFAR since 2003, also buys its own treatment medication, but the work and funding stoppage has weighed heavily on local organizations.

    Stanley Monageng said he cried when he learned about the Trump administration’s order. Mr. Monageng, 78, has been running an organization in Molepolole, in southern Botswana, since 2005. It provides support for children with H.I.V. and relies mostly on PEPFAR funding, he said.

    Mr. Monageng said he was worried all week that he would not be allowed to provide antiretroviral medication to the dozens of children, many of them orphaned, who rely on his organization for help. Mr. Monageng himself has been living with H.I.V. for 25 years and says he has personally benefited from the PEPFAR program.

    “I asked myself, ‘How are these orphans going to survive? How am I going to help them?’” he said on Wednesday from the three-bedroom house that he uses for the center. “I’ve been surviving all these years because of America.”

    At HealthPlus 4 Men, the clinic that was closed in Eswatini on Wednesday, officials encouraged anxious patients to go to a public hospital to seek medication. But most patients were uncomfortable with that option.

    HealthPlus primarily treats gay men, a population that has been historically stigmatized in Eswatini. Many of its patients fear going to government-run facilities, where they worry they will face discrimination. Public hospitals also often provide prescriptions that many patients can’t afford to fill, said Sibusiso Maziya, the executive director of HealthPlus.

    “It’s a sad moment for us,” Mr. Maziya said. “They want to know when this situation will change, when are we opening.”

    Despite the waiver issued by the U.S. government on Tuesday, Mr. Maziya said his organization was continuing to withhold antiretroviral medication supplied with PEPFAR funds as it awaits clarity from its funders on what it is allowed to do.

    Msizi Mkhabela, the operations manager for HealthPlus, added that the organization promotes diversity, equity and inclusion by supporting equal treatment for gay men. That mission could run afoul of the Trump administration’s freeze on such programs and may put the clinic at a higher risk of being permanently defunded.

    In addition to medication, HealthPlus also has a mobile clinic and outreach programs to make sure that people living in rural areas are being tested and receive treatment for H.I.V. The organization considers those programs an essential part of its efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. But all of that was put on hold because the funding came from PEPFAR and HealthPlus is unsure what activities are allowed to continue.

    “We are literally shaking and worried,” Mr. Mkhabela said. “Very much frustrated.”

    Reporting was contributed by Yvonne Mooka from Molepolole, Botswana, Lynsey Chutel from London and Golden Matonga from Blantyre, Malawi.



    The recent decision by the United States to pause funding for HIV/AIDS programs in Africa is causing widespread fear and concern among health officials and advocates. With millions of people across the continent relying on these programs for life-saving treatment and care, the potential consequences of this funding pause are dire.

    The U.S. has long been a key player in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa, providing crucial support for prevention, treatment, and research efforts. But the recent decision to put a hold on funding has raised alarms about the impact it could have on the progress made in recent years.

    Health officials warn that a lack of funding could lead to a spike in HIV transmission rates, as well as a rise in AIDS-related deaths. Without access to the medications and services provided by these programs, many people living with HIV in Africa could face dire consequences.

    Advocates are calling on the U.S. government to reconsider this decision and continue its support for HIV/AIDS programs in Africa. They argue that cutting off funding at this critical juncture could have devastating effects on the health and well-being of millions of individuals across the continent.

    As the global community continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to prioritize and support efforts to combat other public health crises, such as HIV/AIDS. The U.S. funding pause is a stark reminder of the fragility of the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and the urgent need for continued support and investment in programs that save lives.

    Tags:

    1. HIV funding crisis
    2. Impact of U.S. funding pause
    3. HIV epidemic in Africa
    4. Global health crisis
    5. Public health threat
    6. HIV prevention strategies
    7. Funding gap for HIV programs
    8. Africa’s vulnerable populations
    9. Health infrastructure challenges
    10. International response to HIV crisis

    #Pause #U.S #Funding #Spreads #Fear #H.I.V #Spike #Africa

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