KEY POINTS
- HIV crisis in South Africa puts Zimbabweans at risk.
- Civic group urges embassy-based treatment centre.
- Vigilantes block access to life-saving medication.
Zimbabwe’s Humane Human Rights group has appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to set up an emergency HIV treatment center inside the Zimbabwean embassy in South Africa, warning that many citizens living with HIV face life-threatening treatment disruptions.
The group’s call follows an escalation in xenophobic violence by vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula and March on March, which have targeted foreign nationals at public hospitals. Victims, including pregnant women and children, are being denied access to medication and life-saving care.
HIV crisis deepens as vigilante attacks spread
In a letter to Mnangagwa, the group said without urgent intervention, many Zimbabweans risk defaulting on antiretroviral therapy (ART) as vigilantes raid hospitals, demand documentation and bar foreigners from treatment.
Also, the appeal also went to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU), with the group labeling the situation a “human rights emergency.” Reports indicate some patients have already died after being refused care.
Telehealth services step in amid HIV crisis
Amid the unrest, a multinational team of health workers has launched a nurse-led telehealth service aimed at providing confidential consultations and treatment support to migrants.
Zimbabwean nurse Butholezwe Nyathi, who coordinates the effort, said their WhatsApp helpline has been overwhelmed—especially by sex workers and TB patients fearful of infection spread.
Moreover, Nyathi stressed that Southern Africa’s 95-95-95 HIV/TB targets can only be met through collaboration, urging innovative approaches like telehealth to decongest public facilities and bypass xenophobic barriers.
Global bodies urged to act on HIV crisis
Humane Human Rights urged global agencies to “declare a crisis” and act, warning that lives are being lost in silence. However, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned the exclusion of foreign nationals from care, calling for immediate action from South Africa’s National Department of Health to uphold the constitutional right to healthcare.
Political groups, including the Mthwakazi Republic Party, have also petitioned President Cyril Ramaphosa to meet South Africa’s obligations under international law. They argue that access to healthcare, education, and legal assistance must be guaranteed without discrimination.
