By Staff Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medication is at risk of running out by the end of June unless the government secures alternative funding to cover the shortfall caused by the recent suspension of USAID assistance.
The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe halted all U.S. foreign aid channeled through the State Department and USAID for a review, resulting in the temporary closure of New Start Centres and truck stop clinics nationwide.
This disruption has affected patients relying on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and those in need of PrEP refills.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among HIV patients facing uncertainty about continued access to treatment as over a million have been negatively affected.
However health minister Douglas Mombeshora reassured parliamentarians that he government would restock ARV supplies by the end of June.
“We sat down and assessed the type of medicines that we need. It is not correct that all medicines were coming through USAID, I think it was 31%.
“We have medicines to take us up to the end of June but by June, we will have replenished.
“People should not panic, there is enough medication and medication will be available forever,” Mombeshora said.
Approximately 1.2 million Zimbabweans benefit from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and over 1,600 public hospitals and clinics have received training and technical support from the U.S. government.
