By Kuda Pembere
Zimbabwe has enough antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to last through the end of 2025, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said Friday, allaying public concerns over a looming shortage.
Speaking to HealthTimes, Mombeshora assured the nation that the country has an eight-month supply of adult ARVs, sufficient to meet the needs of more than 1.1 million people living with HIV who are on first-line treatment.
We have procured and secured enough medicines for 2024,” said Mombeshora at a workshop organized by the National AIDS Council (NAC).
“We mobilize resources from NAC. That’s where the US$12 million figure comes in. We cannot keep putting money into ARVs when we already have enough stocks. For adults, we have an eight-month stock, which is the maximum threshold.”
He added that pediatric ARVs are also in stock for the next four months, and a shipment of a newer formulation is expected by the end of July, which will add another five months’ supply.
“We are phasing out some of the older medications and replacing them with the new regimen. This upcoming shipment will ensure we are covered for the rest of the year,” he said.
The minister also addressed concerns of ARV hoarding among patients, emphasizing that there is no need for panic.
“There’s no reason for anyone to hoard or purchase ARVs,” Mombeshora said. “They are provided free of charge, and we have enough to last until year-end. That is why we are holding this press conference, to inform the public about the true state of ARV availability in Zimbabwe.”
Mombeshora condemned reports of extortion within the healthcare system, particularly targeting patients living with HIV.
“We are gravely concerned about credible reports of healthcare workers extorting patients, especially in Chiredzi,” he said. “This is a gross abuse of authority and a violation of public trust. We strongly condemn such corrupt behavior. Investigations are underway, and any healthcare worker found guilty will face disciplinary action. No one entrusted with patient care should exploit the vulnerable.”
Turning to broader healthcare issues, the Minister stressed the need for sustainable funding for other essential medicines.
“While we can’t keep channelling money into ARVs when stock levels are adequate, we still need to replace other medicines continuously. Treasury and the national pharmaceutical company, NatPharm, are responsible for this procurement,” he said.
Mombeshora acknowledged occasional stockouts in public hospitals but said services continue to function.
“Yes, we experience stockouts from time to time, but hospitals are operational. Surgeries are happening. Emergency procedures are prioritized, while non-urgent or ‘cold cases’ may be postponed depending on resource availability,” he explained.
He urged patients to understand the difference between essential and over-the-counter medications.
