Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora says people should not worry over withdrawal of funds by the United States and other donors as it has no impact on the country's response to HIV and Aids.
Speaking during a candlelight ceremony in memory of those who died from HIV and Aids at Mzingwane High School ahead of this year's World Aids Day commemorations, Mombeshora reassured that the country has enough stocks for antiretroviral medicine to last up to the next 10 months.
After US President Donald Trump effected measures to cut funding, there were fears of the country's gains on HIV rescinding due to unavailability of the life-saving treatment which was largely donor funded.
“The government of Zimbabwe, through the ministry of Health and the National Aids Council have come together to make sure these services will continue,” Mombeshora said.
“When I heard the announcement that the US government had cut its funding, there was anxiety among those on our art programme, but I want to reassure you, we have stocks of every line of drug of not less than 10 months.
“We have already started procurement processes to make sure at every stage we have enough stock.
“There is no need for anyone to cut their treatment regime or to stagger medication to save up because the medication is available.”
In line with this year's theme, Mombeshora said communities were not peripheral actors, they are the heart of the HIV response.
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“From village health workers to treatment supporters, from community advocates to peer educators, your leadership and lead experiences guide us.”
Mombeshora said the Health ministry values the voices of people living with HIV, and they continue to ensure that these voices are heard at every level of policy formulation, program design and implementation.
“This commitment has been demonstrated through meaningful involvement of community networks in national consultations, monetary efforts, and government structures such as country coordinating mechanisms,” he said.
“Your role is indispensable, and we acknowledge and celebrate it today.”
Meanwhile, in his World Aids Day eve speech, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said despite gains made in fighting the pandemic there were remaining challenges that need to be dealt with.
“These gains assure us that Zimbabwe is firmly on the path towards ending Aids,” he said.
“Yet, challenges remain. Young people, women, and other vulnerable groups continue to bear a disproportionate burden.
“Stigma still discourages many from seeking prevention and treatment services, while financial resources have never been adequate.”
President Mnangagwa said this year's theme, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response," speaks directly to the reality being faced.
“Global funding has declined, particularly at a time when we were recovering from Covid-19 disruptions and confronting new pressures from non-communicable diseases, climate-related health emergencies, Mpox, and other outbreaks,” he said.
“These setbacks have slowed critical prevention programmes.
“However, they have also strengthened our resolve.
“As a nation, we continue to chart a response that is home-grown, home-financed, and aligned to our priorities.”
Mnangagwa said the government remains fully committed to mobilising domestic resources to ensure that no one is left behind.
“We are transforming our response from dependency to self-determination, and from fragmented vertical programmes to a fully integrated national health system,” he said.
“Our own National Aids Trust Fund, commonly known as the Aids Levy, has continued to provide a predictable and sustainable resource base.
“To further strengthen the response, my Government is integrating HIV services into primary healthcare so that testing, treatment, and advanced care are accessible at every level.”
Zimbabwe joins the global community in commemorating World Aids Day today.
