Mosepele Foundation Development Forum (MFDF), one of the youth-led organisations in Lesotho has suffered a major blow as the United States of America cut its funding.

According to the Director MFDF Mr. Maliehe Mosepele following termination of the award by the government of the United States of America, 157 young people have lost their jobs.

He pointed out that the Bokamoso program under the Determined Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) program funded by USAID has been terminated. He remarked that all the activities that focused on women and girl's empowerment under the program have stopped.

Mr. Mosepele indicated that the loss of jobs has badly affected employees within the organisation. He stated that people are not able to pay up their loans as they rely on the jobs. He added that it is emotionally and economically draining to move from the highest level of performance to zero as the organisation and having to select few people to stay on the job.

He pointed out that the few funds they are left with and those in the pipeline are not enough.  He emphasised that it is difficult to implement self-funded programs. 

Mr. Mosepele emphasised that the termination of the award has shuttered the Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) market in Lesotho. He added that lifesaving programmes funded by the US government no longer exist.

He however encouraged people, especially the youth who have been affected by the cut in funding, not to lose hope. He remarked that although it is tough, there is a future.  He urged them to devise new strategies and forge ahead with life.

Among the organisations which have been affected by the cut in funding is the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). They have recently received award termination notices for three of its primary USAID agreements which had previously received approval to resume limited work under the PEPFAR waiver for lifesaving work from the department of state. They have been directed to cease all activities and terminate all sub-awards and contracts associated with the awards.

According to a statement from EGPAF released this week, the agreements cover HIV programming in Lesotho, Eswatini and Tanzania that serve pregnant women, children and families with HIV. It is stated that the projects support more than 350,000 people on HIV treatment, an estimated 10,000 children and over 10,000 HIV-positive pregnant women.

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres has expressed a concern about the cuts indicating that going through with them will make the world less healthy, less safe and less prosperous. He expressed hope that the decision will be reversed.

He said the UN is grateful for the leading role the United States of America has provided over decades. He further said the generosity and compassion of the American people have not only saved lives, built peace and improved the state of the world, but have also contributed to the stability and prosperity that the Americans depend on.

Mr. Guterres pointed out that the UN will do everything they can to provide lifesaving aid to those in urgent need. He added that they will continue their efforts to diversify a pool of generous donors who support their work. He emphasised that they remain committed to supporting the global humanitarian efforts and keep them as efficient, accountable and innovative as possible while continuing to save lives.

The cutting of funds by the US government came after executive orders signed by President Donald Trump after he was sworn-in for his second term in January this year.