The National AIDS Council (NAC) has reassured the nation that there are sufficient stocks of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to support the 1.2 million individuals currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART), despite recent disruptions in international funding.
Concerns arose following the United States’ decision to freeze aid through USAID, a move that threatened critical HIVHIV treatment programs in Zimbabwe.
This funding freeze is part of broader cuts affecting the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other international support channels.
PEPFAR has been instrumental in Zimbabwe’s HIV response, providing substantial aid to sustain treatment and prevention efforts.
Despite these challenges, PEPFAR has pledged US$210 million for 2024 and an additional US$200 million for the period from October 2024 to September 2025, ensuring continued support for HIV programs.
The NAC has emphasized that alternative measures will be implemented if necessary to maintain treatment availability, reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating HIV/AIDS.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has expressed concerns that a U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization could lead to further aid reductions, potentially impacting countries like Zimbabwe that are heavily affected by HIV/AIDS.
He highlighted the need for Zimbabwe to scale up its health funding and explore internal solutions, such as introducing taxes, to compensate for potential funding gaps.
The NAC’s assurance provides relief to many patients who rely on consistent access to medication to manage their condition. The council remains committed to sustaining ART services and is prepared to implement alternative measures to ensure uninterrupted treatment availability.
This development underscores the importance of both international support and domestic initiatives in maintaining essential health services in Zimbabwe.
