Staff Reporter
The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, has dismissed reports of antiretroviral (ARV) shortages in Zimbabwe as false, assuring the nation that HIV treatment remains readily available.
Speaking at a press conference held in Harare on Friday, the minister also vowed swift action against healthcare workers accused of exploiting HIV patients.
“Contrary to circulating reports on social media, there is no shortage of ARVs in Zimbabwe. We currently have eight months of adult first-line ARVs in stock, and we are transitioning paediatric patients to a new fixed-dose combination that is expected to arrive in July,” said Dr Mombeshora
Concerns over ARV availability were sparked by recent online claims of medicine shortages and alleged black-market sales. The reports further accused healthcare staff in areas such as Chiredzi of extorting patients, claims the minister called “credible and deeply troubling.”
“We are gravely concerned by allegations that some health workers are demanding payments from patients who are entitled to free treatment. This is a gross violation of ethical conduct and a betrayal of public trust. We have launched immediate investigations, and anyone found guilty will face disciplinary action without delay,” said Minister Mombeshora
He urged citizens who are asked to pay for HIV services to report the incidents to local health authorities or the police.
“All HIV services, including ARV provision, are free. If anyone demands payment, report them to the Provincial Medical Director, the District Medical Officer, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, or directly to my office,” he emphasized.
Dr. Mombeshora also announced that Zimbabwe’s ARV supply for 2025 is fully funded despite recent shipment delays caused by a U.S. government-issued Stop Work Order. The gap was covered using domestic funds mobilised through the National AIDS Council.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. “We will not allow corruption or misinformation to derail our national goals,” he said.
In a related development, Dr. Mombeshora revealed the delivery of medical equipment worth over US$3.6 million to 25 health facilities under the Zimbabwe COVID-19 Response Project, with support from the World Bank. Deliveries began on April 30 and are set to conclude by the end of May.
“This investment significantly strengthens our capacity to deliver quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” said the minister
The Ministry’s firm stance on corruption, combined with assurances of sustained ARV availability and the ongoing investment in medical infrastructure, signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s health sector.
