Depo-Testosterone, the most common form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used by transgender men and by some non-binary and intersex people, is a chronic (lifelong) medication, and must be used continuously to maintain physical and mental health and wellbeing. Abrupt withdrawal of Depo-Testosterone can have significant consequences on a transgender person’s health which can lead to psychological, mental and emotional distress. In some instances, the withdrawal of HRT can also lead to significant long-term complications related to bone and cardiovascular health.

The national shortage of Depo-Testosterone, and HRT for trans women in 2018, is due to a lack of planning by big pharma in the face of increasing demand. Testosterone is no longer used only by cisgender men with testosterone deficiencies. Progress in human rights and a reduction in stigma associated with being transgender means that more and more trans and intersex people are coming out and able to access HRT.

• We call on Pfizer South Africa and Pfizer International to respond to the current Depo-Testosterone stockout with their short-term plans to remedy the stockout and prevent future stockouts.
• We call on the National Department of Health to respond to this healthcare crisis and put pressure on Pfizer to uphold their commitment to provide healthcare to its clients, as well as ensure that gender affirming hormones can be accessed at all primary healthcare facilities/clinics, including in rural areas.
• We call on national and international LGBTIQ+ human rights organisations to act in solidarity with the community to ensure that appropriate actions are taken.
• We call for the revision of healthcare policies for the transgender, non-binary and intersex communities in line with the South African constitution and World Health Organisation guidelines (WPATH SOC7). We also want to emphasise the need for gender affirming healthcare to be included in training curricula.

For more information, read the #Unite4TransRights media statement or visit #Unite4TransRights on Facebook