Zimbabwe secures ARV supply amidst global funding ...

Zimbabwe secures ARV supply amidst global funding concerns

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwean government has moved swiftly to reassure the nation that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs will remain readily available and accessible to patients throughout 2025, effectively quelling concerns sparked by potential international funding cuts. Thanks to proactive measures and a robust procurement strategy, people living with HIV in Zimbabwe can continue to access their life-saving treatment without interruption.

Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, confirmed that Zimbabwe had anticipated potential disruptions in the global supply chain and took decisive action to ensure a sufficient stockpile of ARVs. This foresight, he stated, guaranteed continued access to essential treatment for those in need.

"We began the year with sufficient ARV stocks to last until the end of June," Minister Mombeshora explained. "Following the announcement of the executive order by the United States, the government acted swiftly by placing new orders through two suppliers to close the anticipated gap."

The Minister provided a reassuring timeline for the delivery of these critical medications. "The stocks are now in place to cover us up to the end of the year, although not yet completely delivered. We started receiving the medicines about three or four weeks ago and we are hoping that by the end of the first or second week of July, all deliveries will have been completed."

Looking ahead, Minister Mombeshora outlined the government's forward-thinking procurement plan: "We can assure the nation that we have enough stocks for ARVs up to the end of the year. We are now working on a plan because we start procuring before they run out so that we also cover the next six months from January to June 2026.”