Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to uninterrupted HIV treatment and addressing corruption in the health sector.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare this Friday, in response to mounting public concern over the alleged shortage and black-market sale of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora highlighted efforts by the government to mobilise domestic resources to close funding gaps.
Dr Mombeshora assured the public that ARV stocks remain stable across all treatment regimens.
“As previously communicated, ARV medicines are well-stocked, and there is no risk of stockouts across all treatment regimens. We have eight months of stock available for adult first-line ARV. The Ministry is phasing out paediatric first-line ARV’s older formulations while introducing a new fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicine. The outgoing formulations are currently at four months of stock, with shipments of the improved triple Fixed Dose Combination expected in July worth five months of stock.
He also confirmed that all antiretroviral therapy (ART) needs for 2025 have been fully funded. Although earlier in the year some partner-supported shipments were delayed due to a Stop Work Order issued by the U.S. government, Dr Mombeshora said the Government acted swiftly.
“Through the National AIDS Council, we mobilised domestic resources to close the gap and ensure an uninterrupted supply of life-saving medications. Our commitment to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets remains firm,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that domestic resource mobilisation is a cornerstone of building a resilient and self-sustaining healthcare system capable of weathering both local and international challenges.
Equally prominent on the agenda were disturbing reports of extortion by healthcare workers, especially in Chiredzi where patients are allegedly being forced to pay for HIV services that are supposed to be free.
“The Ministry is gravely concerned about credible reports of healthcare workers allegedly extorting patients living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in Chiredzi. This conduct represents a gross abuse of authority, a violation of ethical standards, and a betrayal of public trust. We unequivocally condemn such reprehensible and corrupt behaviour. Immediate investigations are underway, and any healthcare worker found guilty will face swift disciplinary action. No one entrusted with the duty of care should ever exploit the vulnerable,” Dr Mombeshora said.
Dr Mombeshora also gave an update on the Zimbabwe COVID-19 Response and Essential Health Services Project, a US$3.7 million initiative funded by the World Bank’s Global Financing Facility and implemented by Cordaid.
The project has delivered critical medical equipment, including anaesthetic machines, infant incubators, and ultrasound scan machines, to 25 healthcare facilities nationwide.
Over 90% of the equipment has arrived at Nat Pharm, with deliveries underway until May 31, while installation and staff training are set to be completed by June 30.
