By Brenna Matendere
Zimbabwe has secured enough antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to cover HIV patients until April 2026, with procurement already underway for the remainder of the year, officials confirmed.
Speaking at the provincial World AIDS Day commemorations in Bikita, National AIDS Council (NAC) Masvingo Acting Provincial Manager Munyengetero Masunga said the country has adequate stocks, thanks to coordination between the Ministry of Health, NAC, and NatPharm.
“To prevent drug expiries and storage issues, deliveries are being staggered,” Masunga said, adding that planning for ARV supplies beyond April 2026 has already begun.
The reassurance comes amid concerns over the impact of the U.S. government’s suspension of 83% of USAID-funded programs in Zimbabwe, which includes support for HIV treatment.
The halt follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump after returning to office in January 2025.
Health experts warn the rollback of US. funding under PEPFAR could result in 6.6 million new HIV infections and 4.2 million AIDS-related deaths globally by 2029, according to UNAIDS projections.
A study published in The Lancet also estimates that over 14 million people, including many children, could die if US foreign aid is dismantled.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora said Zimbabwe acted swiftly to mitigate the impact of the funding cuts.
“We placed new ARV orders through two suppliers to ensure continuity,” he told ZBC News.
“We now have enough stock to last until December 2025, and procurement for January to June 2026 is already in motion.”
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