Health Reporter
Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has moved to reassure people living with HIV across Zimbabwe, confirming that the country’s stock of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) drugs is secure and will remain so in the coming months. The Minister’s statement comes in the wake of growing concerns about potential shortages, fueled in part by reports of reduced donor funding.
During his address at the Candlelight Memorial Commemorations in Umzingwane, Matabeleland South, on the eve of World AIDS Day, Dr. Mombeshora emphasized that Zimbabwe currently has a 10-month supply of ART drugs, with efforts underway to secure a 12-month buffer at all times. “There is no need for panic,” he reassured those in attendance. “We are already in the process of procuring more ART to ensure that no one runs out of their life-saving medication. We are committed to maintaining a steady and reliable supply.”
The Minister also addressed concerns raised by the Zimbabwe Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) regarding potential stock-outs, assuring them that the government would continue to support ART distribution despite shifts in international funding. “You should not worry about changes in donor funding,” Dr. Mombeshora said. “The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Council, is fully committed to ensuring ART services remain uninterrupted.”
His comments were particularly timely in light of anxiety following reports of decreased funding from some international partners, including the U.S. government. Despite these challenges, Dr. Mombeshora firmly reassured the public that Zimbabwe’s national ART stock would remain well-stocked across all treatment regimens, with no shortages expected. “We have sufficient stocks of all ART drugs,” he said. “There is no risk of a stock-out, so please, relax and continue your treatment as prescribed.”
Focus on Children’s Access to ART
While the reassurance on ART supplies was welcomed, the commemoration also brought attention to a stark issue: the insufficient treatment coverage for children living with HIV. **UNICEF Zimbabwe’s Country Representative, Ettona Ekolle**, highlighted the vulnerability of children in Zimbabwe’s HIV response, noting that while adult ART coverage is nearing 100%, children’s coverage is still far below expectations. Currently, only 63% of children living with HIV are receiving ART, well below the target of 95% coverage by 2030.
Ekolle called for urgent action to address this gap, stressing that the fight against HIV/AIDS must prioritize the most vulnerable, especially children. “World AIDS Day and the Candlelight Memorial would be incomplete if we fail to recognize the plight of children lost to AIDS-related illnesses. These children represent the most vulnerable group in our society, and their treatment needs must not be ignored,” Ekolle said.
An estimated 70,000 children aged 0 to 14 years are living with HIV in Zimbabwe, yet nearly 40% of these children are unable to access the ART they need to survive. Experts warn that without timely and effective treatment, many of these children will face grim outcomes, with one-third of infants born with HIV not surviving their first year, and half passing away by the age of two.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Dr. Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council, echoed the need for a renewed focus on children in Zimbabwe’s HIV response efforts. He called on all stakeholders—government, civil society, and the international community—to ensure that no child is left behind. “Children are the most vulnerable, and they need our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the care and treatment they deserve,” Dr. Madzima emphasized.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Zimbabwe’s progress in adult ART coverage and its commitment to a robust ART supply remain key strengths. The government’s pledge to ensure uninterrupted access to ART drugs for both adults and children is a critical component in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS in the country. As Zimbabwe works toward meeting its 2030 treatment targets, experts and advocates alike stress the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
