The government has reassured the nation on the current state of HIV treatment and response in the country, following social media allegations claiming shortages of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and disturbing reports of extortion by healthcare workers, particularly in Chiredzi.
In a press conference earlier today, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, the Minister of Health and Child Care, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and public health.
Dr. Mombeshora reassured the public that the Ministry manages ARV supplies with a robust inventory control system, maintaining an average stock level of eight months for adult first-line ARVs.
“As previously communicated, ARV medicines are well-stocked, and there is no risk of stock outs across all treatment regimens,” he said.
For pediatric ARVs, the Ministry is phasing out older formulations while introducing a new fixed-dose combination.
“The outgoing formulations are currently at four months of stock, with shipments of the improved triple Fixed Dose Combination expected in July,” he added.
The Minister expressed grave concern over credible reports of healthcare workers extorting patients living with HIV/AIDS.
“This conduct represents a gross abuse of authority, a violation of ethical standards, and a betrayal of public trust,” he said, condemning such behavior unequivocally. “Immediate investigations are underway, and any healthcare worker found guilty will face disciplinary action.”
Dr. Mombeshora urged patients to report any instances of extortion or misconduct.
“ARVs are available and provided free of charge. If any patient is asked to pay for HIV services, they should immediately report the incident,” he urged.
The Ministry’s unwavering commitment to uphold the rights of all patients was a central theme of the conference.
“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to HIV treatment and care,” Dr. Mombeshora said, highlighting the Ministry’s goals to end AIDS as a public health threat in Zimbabwe by 2030.
Furthermore, the Minister addressed the sustainability of ARV supplies, noting that the requirements for 2025 are fully funded.
He highlighted the importance of domestic resource mobilization to build a resilient health delivery system capable of facing both local and global challenges.
In addition to addressing HIV services, Dr. Mombeshora discussed ongoing efforts under the Zimbabwe COVID-19 Response and Essential Health Services Project.
This initiative has seen the procurement of essential hospital and maternity equipment valued at over US$ 3.6 million, aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery across the nation.
“This effort is set to significantly improve the capacity of healthcare facilities to manage critical cases.
“The significant progress made toward achieving the 95-95-95 targets will be protected and advanced, not reversed,” Dr. Mombeshora said.
