"Gogogoi" ARV scam exposed in Manicaland

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

People living with HIV in Zimbabwe’s Manicaland province are being forced to pay illegal consultation fees of up to US$6 to access free antiretroviral therapy, a report by Transparency International Zimbabwe has revealed.

In the report titled Access Denied: Corruption and Inequality in Zimbabwe’s Service Delivery, patients describe how public health workers are demanding cash or “gifts” — known locally as gogogoi or “bananas” — to provide medication that should be free.

Dakarayi Matanga, the author of the report, said focus group discussions held in Mutare Urban and Mutasa Districts exposed multiple forms of corruption, with patients paying bribes in cash or kind.

“Health workers were reported to be charging key populations ‘consultation fees’ of around US$6 to receive stamped consultation cards. Those who couldn’t afford the full amount paid a lower bribe of US$2 or gave small gifts like bananas,” Matanga wrote.

The consultation cards are required for patients to receive treatment but should be provided free of charge.

According to the report, “After paying, they are often told drugs are not available. But those who pay more get up to six months’ supply, while others receive one or two months."

The report also uncovered that some health workers divert drugs from sealed packets, sending them to private pharmacies where they have a financial interest.

Sam Barnes said these practices are endangering lives. “People are forced into silence. They fear being publicly identified or mocked because of their HIV status, so they pay quietly,” he said.

The corruption also extends to the use of “representatives” — individuals allowed to collect medication for several patients using clinic records. These representatives sometimes charge illegal fees or pay bribes to jump queues, breaching confidentiality rules.

Some women were asked to offer sex when they could not afford the bribes. “Female members of key populations involved in sex work alleged that male health workers may, in some instances, ask a patient for sexual acts if they lack money,” the report stated.

Jamie Bergin pointed out that these cases are worsened by stigma. “Patients are shouted at, mocked, and treated with disrespect by clinic staff. This deepens the fear and discourages people from reporting abuse,” she said.

The report found that stigma, low income, and lack of awareness are driving the corruption. Patients sometimes register at multiple clinics under false names to avoid humiliation, which distorts national HIV data and medicine stock planning.

In one case, a sex worker from Zimunya now travels to Mutare just to avoid the discrimination at her local clinic. “We want to stay healthy, not be judged,” she stated.

TI Z has called on the Ministry of Health and Child Care to take urgent action, including public education on free health entitlements, disciplinary action for corrupt workers, and the creation of safe spaces for confidential service delivery.

Tafadzwa Chikumbu, TI Z Executive Director, said, “Corruption is stripping patients of their dignity. No one should be forced to pay knock-knock money or offer bananas just to stay alive.”