The Western Cape Government says it welcomes measures announced by the National Department of Health, to ensure that HIV/AIDS services and treatment can continue uninterrupted.

This follows the 90-day suspension of some foreign aid by the United States President Donald Trump.

The measures include the implementation of a six-month anti-retroviral treatment (ARVs) and a 28-day late collection allowance for clients refilling ARVs.

The provincial minister for Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, says this will reduce pressure on both clients and clinics.

“The funds received from the USA and PEPFAR for the fight against the HIV/AIDs epidemic and Tuberculosis without urgent action from the sector we face losing some of the gains made in our fight. We need a comprehensive and sustainable budget that will protect our province budget that will fill the gap that is left behind so that the progress that South Africa made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB can continue,” says Wenger.