Health and Child Care Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, assured the public that Zimbabwe has enough stock of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs to last for the next six months.
He also said that efforts to procure additional supplies to cover the remainder of the year are already underway.
Mombeshora made the remarks during Wednesday’s question time in the National Assembly, where lawmakers raised concerns following the global suspension of development and humanitarian aid by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The minister said the Government is committed to safeguarding the country’s progress in combating HIV and AIDS. He said:
<blockquote>
We are doing everything to ensure that we don’t reverse the gains we have made in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
As a matter of policy, we already have supplies of the ARVs for the next six months and procurement processes to get drugs that will last until the end of the year is already underway.
</blockquote>
Mombeshora added that even if the U.S. government were to reverse its policy, it would not impact the contingency measures implemented by the Government. He said:
<blockquote>
We will soon come to this August House seeking your support for additional funding to ensure that there are no disruptions in the supply of the drugs.
</blockquote>
Mombeshora revealed that 31 per cent of the country’s ARVs were procured through U.S. funding, while the remainder were purchased by the Government through the National Aids Council and other development partners.
Zimbabwe achieved the 95-95-95 targets in 2022, which aim to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95 per cent are receiving treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have a suppressed viral load.

Pindula News

Zimbabwe's Health Minister says they have enough ARVs for 6 months. They are working on getting more for the rest of the year. The US stopped giving aid, but the Minister says they have a plan to keep getting the ARVs. They want to make sure people with HIV continue to get their medicine. The Minister asked for more funding to make sure there are no shortages. Zimbabwe has been doing well in treating HIV, with many people getting tested and treated. They want to keep up the good work.

Zimbabwe Has Enough ARVs For Six Months - Health Minister

The National AIDS Council (NAC) said that Zimbabwe has enough antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the 1.2 million people on antiretroviral therapy (ART), despite the U.S. freezing aid through USAID.
This freeze is part of broader cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other international funding.
PEPFAR has been the largest funder of Zimbabwe’s HIV response, committing US$210 million for 2024 and US$200 million from October 2024 to September 2025.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zim-has-enough-arvs-in-stock-nac">The Sunday Mail</a>, NAC CEO Dr. Bernard Madzima reassured people on ART not to panic, saying the country has sufficient ARVs to meet current needs. Said Madzima:
<blockquote>
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.
This current scenario, at this stage, has not affected the service delivery of ARVs. 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.
</blockquote>
Madzima stressed the importance of continuing to mobilise resources to ensure the success of Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention programs.
He noted that funds from the AIDS levy, a 3% tax on corporate profits and personal income for HIV/AIDS programs, are “limited.” Said Madzima:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe has enough ARVs for the 1.2 million people on ART, even though the U.S. froze aid. PEPFAR was a big funder but is now cutting funds. NAC reassured people that there is no need to panic, as there are enough ARVs in the country. The CEO said they will continue to prioritize health and treatment for those in need. However, the funding from the AIDS levy is limited and may not cover all the needs. They need to keep finding ways to support HIV prevention programs to be successful.

"Zimbabwe Has Enough ARVs In Stock"

Zimbabwe’s significant progress in HIV treatment is under threat from emerging resistance to dolutegravir (DTG), a key life-saving drug used in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Over 1.2 million people in Zimbabwe are currently on ART, representing around 90% of those living with HIV.
However, the rising cases of resistance to DTG pose a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s progress in managing HIV, putting at risk the country’s hard-won gains in treatment and prevention.
In an interview with an <a href="https://www.263chat.com/zimbabwe-faces-new-challenge-in-hiv-treatment-as-resistance-to-dolutegravir-dtgemerges/">online publication</a>, Dr Cleophas Chimbetete, Director of Training and Research at Newlands Clinic, said that there is an urgent need to discuss future treatment options after the third-line ART regimen, in light of increasing resistance.
He said Zimbabwe’s HIV treatment guidelines are based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which continues to inform the country’s approach to managing HIV care. Said Chimbetete:
<blockquote>
These guidelines recommend that individuals testing HIV-positive start a combination of three medicines, known as first-line ART.
If the virus becomes resistant to these medicines, patients are switched to second-line ART, and subsequently to third-line ART if necessary.
We’re beginning to see resistance to Dolutegravir… previously, the need for guidance on what to do after third-line treatment failure wasn’t there, but now we need to start having that conversation.
</blockquote>
Dr. Chimbetete stressed the need for research on DTG resistance, updated national guidelines for post-third-line treatment failure, ongoing healthcare worker training, and improved patient adherence.
As a member of the Zimbabwe HIV Clinicians Society, he is actively addressing these issues.
The Society, alongside healthcare professionals and stakeholders, recognizes the urgency of action to meet Zimbabwe’s commitment to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of HIV-positive individuals knowing their status, 95% on treatment, and 95% achieving viral suppression.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe has made good progress in treating HIV with many people on medicine. But some people are becoming resistant to a key drug, making treatment harder. Doctors are worried and want to find new ways to help. They follow advice from the World Health Organization. Doctors say more research is needed, and they are working hard to help patients stay healthy. Everyone is working together to reach targets for HIV care. The goal is for 95% of HIV-positive people to know their status, be on treatment, and have the virus under control.

Zimbabwe's HIV Treatment Progress Threatened By Resistance To ARVs

An official in the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said HIV-negative people can now take ARVs as an HIV prevention measure.
The Director HIV and TB in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi, told <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/12/20/arvs-for-hiv-negative-people/">New Ziana</a> that 95 per cent of all sexually active Zimbabweans know their HIV status. He said:
<blockquote>
So, we are saying when one thinks of prevention measures, he or she must choose from our variety of services, including condoms and Pre- pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post post-exposure prophylaxis as well as ARVs.
Now even an HIV negative person can take ARVs as an HIV prevention measure.
We notice that many couples manage to go for ante-natal care during pregnancy and have known their results.
However, we have also noticed that during the first 42 days after giving birth men are then going outside and do whatever they do there, but in the end bring the disease back home.
They infect their wives and children thereafter, who will be breastfed.
So we are now saying mothers can take PrEP or ARVs during that period when they feel at risk. The same applies to everyone sexually active.
</blockquote>
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has established the 95-95-95 targets, whereby 95% of PL-HIV should be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV should be receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of all those receiving ART should achieve viral suppression (VLS).
Mugurungi also said Zimbabwe has enough ARVs to take it through to the next three years, adding that the Global Fund, which is the major source of HIV health funding to Zimbabwe will take the country through.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has scrapped all user fees for accessing HIV and TB prevention and treatment services at all public health centres.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

HIV Negative People Can Take ARVs - Ministry Of Health Official

Poultry farmers have been warned against using antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and steroids to fast-track the growth of chickens.
The veterinary extension supervisor for Odzi, Inspectorate Cathrine Sakupwanya, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/poultry-farmers-warned-against-feeding-chickens-arvs/">The Herald</a> that some farmers were still using ARVs and steroids to boost production despite efforts to convince them to abandon the practice. She said:
<blockquote>
There are farmers who are using ARVs, and corticosteroids so that the chickens develop faster with big muscles.
Unfortunately, unsuspecting buyers prefer the ‘huge chickens’ as compared to those that have been nurtured in the correct way and have a standard weight.
</blockquote>
The abuse of drugs in poultry farming is causing anti-microbial resistance (AMR) which is affecting the health of humans, plants, and animals.
AMR occurs when germs that cause disease or infection in humans and animals, change and become resistant to antimicrobial medicines used for treatment.

Poultry Farmers Warned Against Feeding Chickens ARVs, Steroids

Zimbabwe is ready to use anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to reduce the impact of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) if it is hit by the epidemic.
This was said last week by Health and Child Care Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obadiah Moyo</a> when he delivered a ministerial statement to parliament on the country’s situation regarding coronavirus. He said:
<blockquote>I want to indicate to the Honourable Members here present that please be wary and be aware of the fact that there is no vaccine yet for the control of Coronavirus or COVID-19.
What is available at the moment is as a result of some tests which were carried out by the Chinese and also one of the nations in Asia where they found that the use of the current antiretrovirals, (ARVs), one specific one called KALETRA which is a combination anti-retroviral which has Lopinavir and ritonavir and also if using combination – with another booster called anti-interferon or an alpha-interferon, can be able to reduce or stop the spread of the coronavirus.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, a Zimbabwean woman who had travelled to China and passed through Wuhan before she returned home was briefly quarantined at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Wilkins_Hospital" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wilkins Hospital</a>. She was discharged on Thursday after tests showed that she was coronavirus-free.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-ready-to-use-arvs-to-tackle-possible-coronavirus-outbreak-moyo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Govt Readies ARVs To Deal With Possible Coronavirus Outbreak

A male nurse at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Parirenyatwa_Group_of_Hospitals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals</a> is being investigated by authorities at the health institution for allegedly selling Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, which are meant to be dispensed for free.
The alleged misdemeanour came to light when WhatsApp chats with one of the patients were leaked to the authorities. The hospital’s clinical director, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said:
<blockquote>Yes, we received the complaint and as we speak an investigating committee has been set to look into the allegations.
If the committee sees the merit of misconduct, then we will move to the next step, which is instituting a disciplinary hearing.
So far, we have asked the accused to respond to the allegations. He has written his own report in relation to the allegations.</blockquote>
Reports indicate that the drugs are in short supply while some unscrupulous nurses are selling a month’s supply for US$10.
Drug cartels alleged to be selling the donated drugs involve nurses and other staff.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/nurse-syndicate-channel-arvs-to-black-market/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

'ARV Cartels' Diverting Drugs To The Black Market

The health minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo">Dr Obadiah Moyo</a> in a statement read before the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/National_Assembly">national assembly</a> said his department was selecting the best ARVs for their patients on the market.
A statement read in parliament on his behalf read:
<blockquote>We select the best available ARV regimens for people living with HIV in Zimbabwe, based on their safety, availability in the global market and cost.
…DTG is effective and causes a rapid treatment response with evidence of viral suppression. The ministry will continue to mobilise resources to ensure that the best ARV medicines are available to all that are in need of them. The ministry advises lifestyle changes including low fat diets, regular exercise and cessation of smoking</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been hit by a drug shortage for the greater part of 2019 mainly due to lack of forex.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/12/we-select-the-best-available-arvs-moyo/">Newsday</a>

We Are Doing Right By Our HIV & AIDS Patients - Obadiah Moyo

Some unscrupulous poultry farmers are reportedly feeding Anti Retroviral (ARVs) drugs and antibiotics to chickens to make them grow faster.
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) livestock officer Dr Nkululeko Dube said the practice poses dangers to humans when they consume meat from such animals. He said:
<blockquote>People use tablets like ARVs, cotrimoxazole and other antibiotics to feed their chickens so they genetically grow faster.
Eating such meat makes us resistant to medicines because these antibiotics are not meant for animals but people. When we feed on meat from these animals, we develop resistance to medicines.</blockquote>
The issue was discussed by scientists from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Animal Welfare and veterinary services department in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Victoria_Falls" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Victoria Falls</a> in last work.
Anti Retroviral (ARVs) are given to people diagnosed with HIV/Aids and their abuse could be a factor in the shortage of the drug on the market.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/farmers-feed-arvs-on-livestock-for-quick-returns/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Some Farmers Feeding Chickens ARV's

The government has assured citizens that the country has enough anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs that will last the next 12 months.
Responding to legislators in the National Assembly during the Question and Answer session on Wednesday, Health Minister Obadiah Moyo said that the government has secured funding to procure ARVs and therefore there is no need for people to panic. He said:
<blockquote>We are in a safe zone. The issue which was there had to do with costs and that has since been taken care of.
We have adequate supply up to the end of the first quarter of next year for the first line treatment while the second line will last us until the end of the year.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-stocks-years-supply-of-arvs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Zim Has Adequate ARVs To Last The Next 12 Months - Health Minister

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Gerald Gwinji revealed last week that the country will likely face a shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs possibly in 2019 or 2020. Said Gwinji:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe’s HIV programme is doing extremely well with nearly 1,3 million on treatment and uptake of around 8 000 new clients per month. This growth comes with its own challenges that we have to continuously deal with.
One such area is around commodities, including ARVs. We proactively monitor and analyse trends to be better informed about future needs and potential challenges so that we anticipate these and strategies on the solutions.
Therefore, looking at our initiations and the amount for ARVs needed for 2019 and 2020 versus the available resources, we expect a deficit or gap in the ARVS area.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/02/arv-shortage-looms/">Newsday</a></h4>

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