Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
Government has made significant strides in ensuring the availability of tuberculosis (TB) medication across the country, a development hailed by TB survivors and advocates as a crucial step towards eradicating the disease by 2030.
Although TB treatment and care are provided free of charge in Zimbabwe, interruptions can lead to multi-drug-resistant TB and increased mortality rates.
In an interview with ZBC News, Zimbabwe National Network of TB Survivors Chairperson Mr Stanley Sibanda commended government initiatives to ensure a steady supply of TB medicines, emphasising their importance in the ongoing fight against the disease.
“On the state of medication in Zimbabwe, firstly, I want to thank the government of Zimbabwe for availing TB medication. As we know, in the first quarter of 2024, we had a problem of TB medicine shortages, but through government interventions, TB medicines are available in all the clinics, in all the country’s clinics. So at the moment, as the Zimbabwe National Network of TB Survivors, we must make sure that people who are on TB medication get their medication in time, and complete their treatment,” he said.
“So our job has been made easy by the availability of medication. We want to encourage the government whoever is responsible for acquiring medication that TB medications must not be found not available at the clinics. They must not be out of stock, as they are very, very critical. As you know, if someone starts on TB medication and doesn’t complete his or her medication, there are chances that he may develop drug-resistant TB,” said Mr Sibanda.
Youth TB advocate Mr Munyaradzi Saruchera, echoed Sibanda’s sentiments, expressing appreciation for government efforts in making TB medication available, including child-friendly medications.
“I would like to urge youths to join in the fight to end TB as young people we should not expose ourselves to drugs or other things where we might be exposed to TB. We are happy that TB drugs are available plus we also have child friendly medications in the country. And we are happy with the efforts being put by the government,” he said.
Despite notable progress in combating TB, Zimbabwe remains one of the 30 countries with the highest burdens of TB and drug-resistant TB, globally.
According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 10 million people fall ill with TB worldwide each year, resulting in 1,5 million deaths, despite the disease being preventable and curable.
