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"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over the U.S. government’s decision to immediately pause funding for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries.
In a statement, WHO said these programs provide life-saving HIV therapy to more than 30 million people worldwide.
The funding pause, according to WHO, could significantly increase the risk of illness and death for those living with HIV and undermine efforts to prevent transmission within communities and countries.
WHO also warned that if the funding pause is prolonged, it could lead to a rise in new infections and deaths, potentially reversing decades of progress.  The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses deep concern about the implications of the immediate funding pause for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
These programmes provide access to life-saving HIV therapy to more than 30 million people worldwide. Globally, 39.9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2023.
A funding halt for HIV programmes can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries.
Such measures, if prolonged, could lead to rises in new infections and deaths, reversing decades of progress and potentially taking the world back to the 1980s and 1990s when millions died of HIV every year globally, including many in the United States of America.
For the global community, this could result in significant setbacks to progress in partnerships and investments in scientific advances that have been the cornerstone of good public health programming, including innovative diagnostics, affordable medicines, and community delivery models of HIV care.
We call on the United States Government to enable additional exemptions to ensure the delivery of lifesaving HIV treatment and care.
<h2>PEPFAR’s legacy and current risks</h2>
The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been a flagship initiative of the global HIV response since its establishment over 20 years ago.
The current funding pause for PEPFAR will have a direct impact on millions of lives that depend on the predictable supply of safe and effective antiretroviral treatment.
PEPFAR works in over 50 countries around the world. Over the past two decades, PEPFAR funding has saved more than 26 million lives.
Currently, PEPFAR is providing HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with HIV globally, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.
Over the past year, PEPFAR and partners, including WHO, have been working on sustainability plans with countries for greater country ownership and reduced donor support up to and beyond 2030.
A sudden and prolonged stop to programmes does not allow for a managed transition and puts the lives of millions at risk.
WHO is committed to support PEPFAR and other partners, as well as national governments, in managing change processes effectively to minimize the impact on people living with HIV.
</blockquote>

The World Health Organization is worried because the U.S. government paused funding for HIV programs in other countries. These programs help 30 million people get life-saving HIV therapy. The pause could make more people sick or die and might lead to more new infections. Without funding, progress in fighting HIV could go back to the 1980s and 1990s when many people died from the virus. The WHO wants the U.S. to keep supporting HIV programs to save lives. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is also affected by the funding pause, putting millions of lives at risk.

U.S. HIV Funding Pause Risks Reversing Decades Of Progress, WHO Warns

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube expressed concern on Wednesday that a US withdrawal from the World Health Organisation could lead to aid cuts for countries like Zimbabwe, which are heavily affected by HIV/AIDS.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order for the US withdrawal after his second-term inauguration on Monday.
During an online briefing from Davos, where he was attending the World Economic Forum, Ncube said the withdrawal could signal cuts in health aid to countries like Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
Any country with an HIV/Aids challenge will be impacted. This is a concern, a fear we are expressing.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/zimbabwe-fears-us-withdrawal-who-will-hit-hivaids-programmes-2025-01-22/">Reuters</a>, Zimbabwe receives over US$200 million annually from the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR).
Since 2006, the US government has given Zimbabwe over US$1.7 billion to strengthen health systems and support people living with HIV, according to the US embassy in Harare.
PEPFAR contributes nearly US$90 million annually to support salaries and incentives for healthcare workers, as well as funding HIV and viral load testing, prevention, cervical cancer screening, and tuberculosis treatment.
Zimbabwe is struggling to fund its public health system. The government introduced a sugar tax on beverages last year to raise funds for cancer treatment. This year, they introduced another tax on fast food. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
We need to scale up our funding for health. The earmarked taxes should be directed towards health as we build our capacity to fill the gap should any funding recede.
</blockquote>

The Minister of Finance in Zimbabwe is worried that the US leaving the World Health Organization might stop funding for HIV/AIDS programs in Zimbabwe. President Trump signed an order to withdraw the US from the WHO. Zimbabwe gets a lot of money from the US to help with HIV/AIDS. Since 2006, they got over $1.7 billion. They use the money for healthcare workers and testing for diseases. Zimbabwe has some taxes to help with healthcare, but they might need more money if the US stops giving them help. They are trying to find ways to fill the gap in funding.

Mthuli Warns U.S. Withdrawal From WHO Could Hurt Zimbabwe's HIV/AIDS Programmes

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

Studies on HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe have found that communities that practice polygamy tend to have lower rates of HIV infection compared to other settings, reported <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2024/07/03/polygamous-communities-have-lowest-hiv-burden-in-zimbabwe/">Health Times</a>.
Polygamy refers to the practice of one man being married to multiple women at the same time.
In Zimbabwe, the HIV response emphasizes the importance of individuals limiting themselves to one sexual partner, as having multiple concurrent partners significantly increases the risk of HIV infection.
While numerous studies conducted across Sub-Saharan Africa have found that the practice of polygamy is associated with an increased risk of new HIV infections, some research also suggests that certain cultural practices observed within polygamous settings may play a role in regulating sexual behaviour and potentially mitigating HIV transmission in these communities.
Mashonaland West Province, for example, is a high HIV burden province in Zimbabwe with an estimated population of 1,245,000 and an estimated 143,000 people living with HIV from its seven administrative districts.
Interestingly, Kariba District, which is known for having a higher prevalence of polygamous marriages, has the lowest HIV prevalence rates in the province.
Davison Mamombe, the National AIDS Council Programs Officer for Mashonaland West Province revealed that Kariba, despite being a polygamous community, has the lowest HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) burden in the province. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the highest disease burden, Mhondoro Ngezi has the highest HIV burden in the province at 14.3% followed by Chegutu at 13.7% then Zvimba, at 12.6%, Makonde at 12%, Hurungwe at 11.06% and Kariba has 9%.
Kariba becomes unique in the sense that we have people who have strong cultural roots and those people practice polygamy.
However for an outsider to penetrate their circles, it becomes a challenge so because of that, HIV prevalence in those communities is very low including sexually transmitted infections.
</blockquote>
In Matabeleland North province, Tsholotsho District has the highest HIV prevalence at 21.9% while Binga, also a highly polygamous community has the lowest HIV prevalence at 5.3%.
In a previous interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/why-binga-has-low-hiv-prevalence/">Chronicle</a>, Amon Mpofu, the National AIDS Council’s (NAC) national director of monitoring and evaluation, highlighted that the Tonga people in Binga had valuable insights to share about how their cultural practices and beliefs have contributed to a lower HIV prevalence in their community compared to other regions in the country. He said:
<blockquote>
HIV is a sexually transmitted disease as we all know and this means Tonga values are strong and as a result, the transmission is low. They also have strong values when it comes to marriage. They avoid casual sex and value marriage, something which we should all emulate.
</blockquote>
However, National AIDS Council Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benard Madzima said polygamy was not the factor behind the low HIV prevalence in communities where polygamy is prevalent. He said:
<blockquote>
Maybe the protective factor is not necessarily polygamy. The prevalence might be low but to attribute it to polygamy that’s where my question is.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Polygamous Communities In Zimbabwe Have Lower HIV Infection Rates

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

A new HIV drug, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sunlenca">Sunlenca</a> (Lenacapavir), is now available, but awaiting approval by the Government.
The drug is taken twice a year by people with multi-drug-resistant HIV Type One.
It is administered through injections once every six months and has recently been approved in the United States.
The Director of Aids and Tuberculosis in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Owen Mugurungi said they welcomed the development. He said:
<blockquote>
We welcome such developments as they greatly improve adherence to treatment.
You will find out that daily intake of ARVs or any other drugs is associated with defaulting as pill fatigue grows for some people.
There are also cases of people missing doses so the development of drugs that are taken a few times will greatly improve adherence.
</blockquote>
In November 2022, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Medicines_Control_Authority_of_Zimbabwe">Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe</a> (MCAZ) approved the use of a long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention.
However, last week, MCAZ warned against the use and sale of Gammora, a drug from abroad as a treatment for HIV saying they have not approved its use in Zimbabwe.
It was initially claimed that clinical trials performed had shown that Gammora could eliminate 99 percent of HIV within the first four weeks of treatment. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/twice-a-year-hiv-drug-on-the-cards/">The Sunday News</a>

New HIV Drug, Sunlenca, Awaits Govt Approval

Zimbabwe has become the first African country to approve the use of long-acting injectable, Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) dose for HIV prevention.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) on Monday announced the approval of the use of the drug.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “CAB-LA may be offered to people at substantial risk of HIV acquisition as part of comprehensive HIV prevention approaches”.
CAB-LA injections are to be taken every two months and studies have shown that they are highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition among homosexual men, transgender, and cisgender women.
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director Itai Rusike applauded the move to approve the use of the drug in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
Prep dramatically reduces the risk of HIV acquisition for women as well as men.
We are aware that for more than a decade, WHO has recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of HIV should be offered Prep.
The people of Zimbabwe should embrace this new development in order to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
</blockquote>
Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network representative Nyasha Sithole said “this will contribute to our basket of HIV prevention tools that work for us as girls and women in Zimbabwe”. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002248/zim-pilots-new-hiv-drug">NewsDay</a>

Zimbabwe Becomes First African Country To Approve Use Of New HIV Drug

The National AIDS Council (NAC) says new HIV infections continue to increase among adolescent girls and young women while they are going down in other groups.
Addressing female learners at the commemorations of the International Day of the Girl Child on Tuesday, NAC Bulawayo Provincial AIDS Manager, Sinatra Nyathi said:
<blockquote>
Imagine, in all age groups HIV is going down but adolescent girls and young women are getting new infections.
We realise young girls attend vuzu parties, where unplanned pregnancies, HIV, STIs, and other diseases emerge.
As NAC, we are on the path to achieving epidemic control, but we must also prevent further HIV spread.
However, new infections continue to be identified, with adolescent girls and young women being disproportionately affected.
</blockquote>
Nyathi urged young girls to practice abstinence as it is important in HIV prevention. She said:
<blockquote>
You can’t sell your life over that red box of chips yet you can be a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) girl who is educated and empowered and buy as many of those red boxes as you want.
We can abstain from sex, it’s not necessary to destroy your life. Even if you have started indulging in sexual activity as NAC we have what we call secondary abstinence where someone realises that they are not going anywhere with having sex.
You need to stop having it today and start planning for the future because you will start dying prematurely.
We want girls to take over but girls cannot take over because of the decisions they make. You can still abstain from sex and plan your life.
I always thank God that I didn’t destroy my life over five minutes’ activity of risky sexual behaviours.
</blockquote>
She also urged girls to use the internet wisely and avoid visiting pornography websites as this may lure them into engaging in sexual activities and risk contracting HIV and STIs. | <a href="https://cite.org.zw/rise-in-new-hiv-infections-among-adolescent-girls-worrying/">CITE</a>

New HIV Infections Rise Among Adolescent Girls

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) says it regrets the decision of the United Kingdom (UK) to reduce its financial support by 80%.
In a statement, UNAIDS the move by the UK will have a significant impact on the provision of life-saving HIV services, access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and upholding the human rights of the most marginalised. The statement says:
<blockquote>The government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) has informed UNAIDS that funding for UNAIDS for 2021 is confirmed at GBP 2.5 million, compared to the GBP 15 million received by UNAIDS from the UK for 2020.
This cut of GBP 12.5 million (or more than 80%) is significant. It affects the provision of life-saving HIV prevention and treatment services around the world.
It affects the empowerment of young women and adolescent girls and their access to sexual and reproductive health and rights across the world, and Africa in particular. It impacts on support to upholding the human rights of some of the most marginalized people, including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and intersex people in low- and middle-income countries. It reduces global health security.
UNAIDS recognizes the challenging situation facing many governments, yet deeply regrets this decision of our longstanding partner and advocate. We are assessing the full scope and impact of the cut and are actively formulating mitigation strategies.
The UK government has said the decision does not reflect a diminished commitment to UNAIDS or the HIV response. UNAIDS will continue working with the UK and partners to explore ways to ensure continuity and predictability of funding to sustain the hard-won gains in the fight against HIV and to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The UK has been a leader in the fight against AIDS. It has called for the G7 to be centred on beating pandemics and is rallying the world for girls’ education and empowerment.
UNAIDS is determined to deliver breakthroughs on those together with the UK. We hope that the UK, which has rated UNAIDS ‘A’ for delivery, will decide to supplement its current allocation for 2021.
UNAIDS</blockquote>

UNAIDS Responds To UK Cutback On Financial Support

According to the SADC Gender Protocol Barometer 2020 report, Zimbabwe despite battling an economic meltdown and other issues is doing well in fighting HIV/AIDS as compared to other countries like Lesotho, South Africa and Botswana, the Daily News reports.
The report claimed that Zimbabwe is employing a multi-sector strategy to strengthen population programmes about the disease:
<blockquote>Three Sadc nations — Eswatini (27 percent), Lesotho (22,8 percent) and Botswana (20,7 percent) have prevalences above 20 percent; five more between 10 and 20 percent South Africa (19 percent), Zimbabwe (12,8 percent), Mozambique (12,4 percent), Namibia (11,5 percent) and Zambia (11,5 percent)
<div>Zimbabwe is intensifying multi-sector efforts to strengthen key population programmes, as outlined in its National Key Populations HIV and Aids Implementation Plan 2019-2020. Actions to address structural barriers include advocacy for law reforms, sensitisation of health-service providers or law enforcement agents, and media campaigns to eliminate stigma and discrimination</div>
</blockquote>
<div>According to the publication, Zimbabwe’s HIV/AIDS rate declined from 18.2% in 2005 to 12.8% in 2020, of the 1.3 million living with the virus, about a million of them are on ARVs.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The government 3 years ago also came up with a 5 year HIV/AIDS testing strategy in order to raise the number of people who know their status. This was done in order to build on the progress made in the past decade, which saw new HIV infections in the country falling by 50% according to the publication.</div>
<div></div>
<div>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/zim-winning-hiv-aids-war/">Daily News </a></div>

Zimbabwe Doing Well In Fighting HIV/AIDS - Report

A United States-based Kenyan scientist Professor Benson Edagwa and his colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have unveiled the world’s first antiretroviral (ARV) drug to be taken once-a-year.
The team has already sampled the new drug on mice and non-human apes and observed that it was safe and effective.
Speaking on the new drug Prof Edagwa who designed and produced the required modifications of the new product said:
<blockquote>This occurs for extended time periods, and in laboratory and animal testing, up to a year.</blockquote>
The scientists modified an existing ARV drug, cabotegravir, to enable the body to absorb and release it slowly from tissues over 12 months.
The scientists said that the new pill could also act as a vaccine for healthy people who take it and have unprotected sex cautioning that it was, however. “not a cure for HIV/Aids.”
Professor Edagwa said some of the advantages of the new drug are reduced clinic visits, a development that will enable health caregivers to provide other essential services like immunisations and also the patients would have more time for other economic activities.
More: <a href="https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2020-04-27-top-kenyan-scientist-unveils-arv-drug-to-be-used-once-a-year/">The Star</a>

Kenyan Scientist Unveils The World’s First Antiretroviral Drug Taken Once-A-Year

The government on Friday last week gazetted the Marriages Bill which among other things, seeks to decriminalise the transmission of HIV and AIDS to a partner. The Bill seeks to repeal a legal provision that makes it a crime.
The Bill is now going to be brought before the Lower House of Parliament for debate.
Section 53 of the Marriages Bill repealed Section 79 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which makes it an offence to transmit HIV to a partner.
According to a Herald Report:
<blockquote>Section 79 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) titled “Deliberate transmission of HIV” states that (1) any person who
(a) Knowing that he or she is infected with HIV; or
(b) realising that there is a real risk or possibility that he or she is infected with HIV; intentionally does anything or permits the doing of anything which he or she knows will infect, or does anything which he or she realises involves a real risk or possibility of infecting another person with HIV, shall be guilty of deliberate transmission of HIV, whether or not he or she is married to that other person, and shall be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years.</blockquote>
The government says that the move to decriminalise the willful transmission of HIV to a partner is in line with global standards.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-law-set-to-decriminalise-hiv-transmission/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt Gazettes Law To Decriminalise HIV Transmission

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has revealed that the Cabinet has through the Marriages Amendment Bill repealed a legal provision that criminalized “willful” transmission of HIV to a partner.
Speaking to journalists after a Cabinet briefing chaired by Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister, Prisca Mupfumira, Ziyambi said:
<blockquote>Yes, indeed Cabinet approved that we repeal the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act where it speaks about these criminalisation so we will repeal the Criminal Code in this regard.</blockquote>
The Marriages Amendment Bill will now soon be gazetted before it is tabled before Parliament for debate.
<h3>Related:</h3>
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More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/cabinet-approves-hivaids-transmission-law-repeal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a>

Cabinet Approves Decriminalisation Of Willful Transmission Of HIV/AIDS

The United Nations (UN) has commended Zimbabwe for achieving successes in reducing transmission of the HIV virus that causes Aids from mothers to babies.
The UN placed Zimbabwe on number 3 out 23 focus countries in the sub-region moving to eliminate the transmission of HIV from mother to child. The UN said in a statement:
<blockquote>… antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother to child transmission greatly reduced new HIV infections among children… new child infections have been averted.
UNAids said early infant diagnosis, which entails testing infants of women living with HIV within two months of birth was crucial as this helps those who are infected take necessary measures before it’s too late.
At the same time, HIV disease progression among prenatally infected infants is much faster than among adults.
Without treatment, up to 50 per cent of children born with HIV will die before their second birthday, with peak mortality at two or three months of age (12–14).
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is said to be on course to achieve the 90-90-90 strategy. The goal of the strategy is to ensure that by the year 2020 90 per cent of people who are HIV infected will be diagnosed, 90 per cent of people who are diagnosed will be on antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent of those who receive antiretrovirals will be virally suppressed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/02/18/un-hails-zim">Daily News</a></h4>

UN Commends Zim For Reducing HIV/AIDS Transmission

<a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Midlands_State_University">Midlands State University</a> (MSU) expects to test over 5 000 students for HIV and other sex-related ailments at its campuses across the country this semester as it enhances its efforts to reduce cases of new incidences and educate the tertiary learners on the pandemic.
In an interview with the Herald on the sidelines of a two-day Health Expo at MSU, acting director of Health Services at the institution, Mr Tafirenyika Shoko said the institution would soon introduce voluntary counselling and testing for HIV to over 5 000 students this semester,
<blockquote>We have stakeholders from the health-related sectors at this Health Expo who set up stands so that students can pass through and access services they are offering such as HIV testing and counselling, information on cancer, diabetes and other ailments. This is part of our efforts to conscientise our students for their own health, which is a form of empowerment. We are targeting 5 000 students, hence we have made it a two-day affair.</blockquote>
He said as part of its efforts in trying to raise awareness on HIV, the university participated at the National HIV Counselling and Testing programme, where it tested about 1 200 students. Mr Shoko said only 0,86 percent of students tested positive to HIV at that time.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/msu-to-test-over-5-000-students-for-hiv/">Herald</a>

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