Dr Melanie Bisnauth
Melanie is a dynamic public health professional with over 15 years of experience in healthcare systems strengthening, HIV/AIDS leadership and research, securing healthcare funding and driving data-driven policy solutions.
She has worked with partners of USAID in South Africa and holds a PhD degree from the University of Witwatersrand. She collaborates on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programming and is dedicated to improving healthcare access for marginalised populations, particularly women and children in the HIV/AIDS sector.
Melanie says: “The sudden withdrawal of US funding from key health initiatives like PEPFAR and USAID has far-reaching consequences for global health, particularly for HIV prevention and care among migrants and vulnerable populations. These programmes have been central to reducing HIV transmission, strengthening health systems, and supporting marginalised groups.
“Loss of funding is already leading to treatment disruptions, rising infections, and weakened public health infrastructure in low-and-middle-income countries [LMICs]. While alternatives like multilateral agencies, philanthropy, and domestic investments may help fill gaps, none can fully replace the scale and impact of US support. A coordinated global response involving multilateral agencies, philanthropy, LMICs, and the private sector will be essential – but cannot fully replace what is lost without sustained political will and new financial commitments.
“The withdrawal of US funding from programmes like PEPFAR and USAID threatens to reverse hard-won gains in HIV prevention and care, especially among migrants and marginalised populations who depend on these services for survival. Without sustained support, the global fight against HIV – and the health rights of displaced communities – hangs in the balance.”
