Harare, (New Ziana) – Health and Child Care Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, on Friday allayed fears of shortages of HIV drugs in the country, saying enough stocks to meet demand were available..
He said drugs for all HIV treatment regimes were in stock, and no stock-outs could happen.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care manages medicine supplies using a minimum and maximum inventory control system, 14 months being the maximum stock level and 8 months the minimum. As previously communicated, ARV medicines are well-stocked, and there is no risk of stock outs across all treatment regimens,” he said.
The current stock levels include eight months of adult first-line ARVs and four months of paediatric first-line ARVs, with new shipments of the improved triple Fixed Dose Combination expected in July.
“The Ministry is phasing out older formulations while introducing a new fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicine. The outgoing formulations are currently at 4 months of stock, with shipments of the improved triple Fixed Dose Combination expected in July worth 5 months of stock,” Mombeshora said.
He condemned healthcare workers reportedly extorting patients living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in Chiredzi, describing it as unacceptable and corrupt.
He said investigations are under way and those found guilty will face disciplinary action, emphasising that healthcare workers are expected to prioritize patient care, not exploit vulnerable individuals.
“In recent days, reports have been circulating on social media alleging shortages of critical HIV medications, particularly antiretroviral drugs
(ARVs).
Some of these claims go further to suggest that these life-saving medications are being sold illicitly. In addition, serious allegations have emerged concerning the extortion of patients living with HIV/AIDS by healthcare workers, especially in areas such as Chiredzi,”Mombeshora said.
He reminded the public that ARVs were available and provided free of charge. He encouraged patients to report any incidents of extortion to the relevant authorities, including the Provincial Medical Director, District Medical Officer, Zimbabwe Republic Police, or the Minister’s Office.
“Our antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicine requirements for 2025 are fully funded. While some partner-supported shipments experienced delays earlier this year due to the issuance of a Stop Work Order from US Government, we responded swiftly and decisively. Through the National AIDS Council (NAC), we mobilised domestic resources to close the gap and ensure an uninterrupted supply of life-saving medications, safeguarding the progress we have made toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.”
New Ziana
