Zimbabwe Assures Sufficient Stock of ARVs Amidst Aid Cuts
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups:
The National AIDS Council (NAC) has assured that Zimbabwe possesses an adequate supply of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the 1.2 million individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), despite the United States halting aid via USAID.
This suspension forms part of broader reductions to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other international funding sources. PEPFAR has been the primary supporter of Zimbabwe’s HIV response, pledging US$210 million for 2024 and US$200 million for the period from October 2024 to September 2025.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, NAC CEO Dr. Bernard Madzima reassured those on ART, urging them not to panic and affirming that the country has sufficient ARVs to meet current needs. “I want to assure the nation and everyone that there are enough ARVs in the country. At this stage, there is no need to panic. Anyone who needs ARVs needs to go to the facility where they collect their ARVs and they will get services.”
Dr. Madzima emphasised that the present situation has not affected the delivery of ARV services. He added, “But as a country, we need strategies to deal with the possible scenarios in the future so that we cover that gap, and that gap should not lead to anyone not getting treatment. And I am sure you read from the Central Government that as a country we stand by prioritising health and making sure that anyone who needs treatment will get the treatment that they need.”
Dr. Madzima highlighted the necessity of continuing to mobilise resources to ensure the success of Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention programmes. He noted that funds from the AIDS levy—a 3% tax on corporate profits and personal income for HIV/AIDS programmes—are limited. “The AIDS levy is a very limited resource. Remember that part of it is collected in local currency and it’s difficult to then buy things from outside the country.”
“So, it will not be able to cater to all the shortfalls that will happen in the health sector… So, we can only stretch it up to a point. It’s not an infinite resource; it’s very limited.”
Gayton McKenzie Calls for Deportation of Illegal Immigrants, Cites Economic and Social Concerns
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has renewed his call for the deportation of…
Another Arrest In US$129,000 Service Station Robbery
Harare – Another suspect linked to the robbery of Meru Service Station, where US$129,000 was stolen, has been taken into custody.
