Dear Honorable Chairperson and Members of the Portfolio Committee on Health,

I am writing to bring to your attention the urgent need for intervention in support of the Wits RHI Trans Health Centre, which provides critical healthcare services to transgender and gender-diverse individuals. As a Human Rights Defender and a client of the centre, I am deeply concerned about the impact of the recent USAID funding stop on the centre's ability to provide essential services.

The Wits RHI Trans Health Centre is one of the few healthcare providers in South Africa that offers specialized care and support to transgender and gender-diverse individuals. However, the funding stop has put the centre's operations at risk, leaving many clients uncertain about their access to medication and treatment. Delayed or denied access to gender-affirming healthcare can have severe consequences, including detransitioning and psychological trauma.

I urge the Portfolio Committee on Health to intervene and provide support for the Wits RHI Trans Health Centre. Specifically, I request that the committee:

- Ensure immediate access to medication and treatment for affected clients.
- Develop a sustainable solution for funding and supporting transgender and gender-diverse healthcare.
- Provide training and capacity-building programs for healthcare providers to address the specific needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Furthermore, I hope that in the coming future, Gender Affirming Healthcare will be recognized and prioritized as an essential aspect of healthcare, ensuring that all transgender and gender-diverse individuals have access to the care and support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

I hope that the Portfolio Committee on Health will take immediate action to address the concerns of the transgender and gender-diverse community. I am available to provide additional information and support as needed.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
Aurora Krotoa Moses
Human Rights Defender