The recent cessation of USAID funding in Zimbabwe has severely disrupted access to HIV medication for thousands of rural patients.1 The withdrawal of motorbikes and other vehicles used to transport supplies and blood samples across the country has crippled the distribution network.2
This disruption follows the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe’s recent halt of all foreign aid programs funded by the State Department and USAID for review.3 This action resulted in the temporary suspension of services at New Start Centres and truck stop clinics nationwide, as well as the withdrawal of USAID-supported health workers. Patients relying on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and those seeking PrEP refills have been directly affected.4
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora told parliament Wednesday that the ministry has been negatively impacted and is seeking alternative funding to replace the lost resources. He stated that the ministry will be approaching parliament for a budget review.
“Our ministry will be approaching the parliament of Zimbabwe for support during the supplementary budget,” Mombeshora said.
“There are other organizations and healthcare personnel who have been receiving funding from USAID. We have doctors and nurses who were employed in clinics where HIV positive people were being treated, and these healthcare personnel lost their jobs because of the order. We are therefore seized with scouting for replacements. The other challenge that we are facing pertains to vehicles and motorbikes which were used by healthcare personnel to access remote clinics. Motorbikes which were used to transport blood samples were also affected by the executive order.5 This has culminated in a situation where our ministry is in the process of requesting extra funding to cater for such key personnel,” Mombeshora said.
Approximately 1.2 million Zimbabweans benefit from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and over 1,600 public hospitals and clinics have received training and technical support from the U.S. government.
