Key points
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Minister reassures the public that there is enough HIV medicine available.
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Government has allocated US$12 million to secure antiretroviral drugs.
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Media plays a crucial role in continuing the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, has sought to ease public concerns following the recent cut in US funding for HIV-related programs.
Speaking at a National Aids Council (NAC) workshop in Chinhoyi, Mombeshora reassured people living with HIV that there is no cause for panic.
He emphasized that Zimbabwe has enough HIV medicine and has already put in place solid financial mechanisms to ensure continued treatment.
Zimbabwe has enough HIV medicine
Mombeshora addressed the issue of reduced funding, particularly the US aid freeze, which has caused anxiety about the availability of HIV treatment.
He clarified that Zimbabwe’s government had already made provisions for the continued supply of antiretroviral drugs, allocating US$12 million for new stock, with more expected in June to last until the end of the year.
He also pointed to the importance of the National Aids Trust Fund (Aids levy), a sustainable funding mechanism that the government had already established.
This fund, he said, has now proven to be crucial in times of reduced external aid. Mombeshora also mentioned other long-term strategies, such as the National Health Insurance, as part of Zimbabwe’s broader plan to address public health challenges independently of foreign aid.
Moving forward without donors
The Health Minister stressed that Zimbabwe’s focus is now on domestic funding and planning, even in the absence of external support.
“This is not just about the health sector; it affects all sectors,” he stated.
Mombeshora urged the nation not to become complacent in the fight against HIV and AIDS, as the epidemic continues to evolve.
He pointed out that adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers still face high rates of new HIV infections, while children still have lower access to treatment.
The Minister called for innovative approaches and a collective effort to address these challenges and ensure sustained adherence to treatment for all affected individuals.
The need for continued media partnership
During the workshop, NAC CEO Bernard Madzima emphasized the critical role of the media in Zimbabwe’s response to HIV and AIDS.
He highlighted that although there has been significant progress, over 15,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 AIDS-related deaths were recently recorded.
These challenges, along with the rising incidence of HIV-related non-communicable diseases, underscore the importance of media involvement.
Madizma acknowledged the role of the Aids levy in covering some of the funding gaps but noted that it still falls short of the total need.
He called on the media to continue raising awareness and driving conversations that will lead to better policy and program development in the HIV response.
