Zimbabwe Commits US$1 Million to Strengthen Fight Against HIV and Aids

Zimbabwe has announced a US$1 million pledge to Global Fund Grant Cycle 8, reaffirming Government’s determination to maintain progress in combating HIV, Aids, tuberculosis, and malaria, even as international funding support becomes increasingly constrained.

Speaking during the World Aids Day commemorations held in Umzingwane District yesterday under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the Aids response,” Health and Child Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the country’s gains were the result of strong collaboration between Government and its partners.

He noted that Zimbabwe had honoured its full commitment to Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, and was now contributing to GC8 as part of its shared responsibility in sustainably financing the national HIV response.

“This pledge shows our dedication to ensuring long-term HIV financing. We deeply appreciate the support from partners such as GAVI, UNICEF, WHO and many others who continue to walk with Zimbabwe,” Dr Mombeshora said.

He stressed that unity and partnership remained central to Zimbabwe’s success.

“Zimbabwe has built one of the most resilient HIV programmes in the region. We reached the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets because communities, health workers, Government and partners worked side by side,” he said.

Dr Mombeshora added that the implementation of National Development Strategy 2 has strengthened investment in health systems, infrastructure and workforce capacity, while domestic financing mechanisms including the Aids Levy continue to play an important role.

He applauded communities, health workers, development partners and Zimbabweans at large for their unwavering commitment, saying their efforts had kept the country on track towards HIV elimination.

As part of ongoing innovations, Zimbabwe has been selected among the first 10 countries to roll out Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable taken twice a year for HIV prevention. The minister encouraged young people to take advantage of the new option.

“If you can remember to charge your phone every day, then two injections a year should not be a challenge,” he joked, acknowledging PEPFAR for supporting the initiative.

Zimbabwe has also expanded blood-based HIV self-testing from eight to 53 districts, giving people more privacy, convenience and early diagnosis opportunities.

“There is no failing an HIV test. The only failure is choosing not to know your status,” he said.

For children, new interventions include a simplified, child-friendly ARV and new policies targeting advanced HIV disease. The country has further introduced triple testing for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B for HIV-exposed newborns within the first 24 hours — an important step in protecting infants.

Dr Mombeshora said eliminating HIV required a health system capable of addressing multiple conditions at once, including NCDs, mental health challenges, TB, sexual and reproductive health needs, and drug misuse.

He also stressed the need to confront stigma, describing it as the “final barrier” to ending HIV.

Meanwhile, National Aids Council CEO Dr Bernard Madzima said this year’s theme reflects the shifting environment in HIV programming. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and rising health threats had disrupted progress, pushing the HIV response to adapt and integrate with other health services.

He highlighted that while donor reductions were expected, some cuts came sooner than anticipated, forcing Zimbabwe to refocus and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.

Dr Madzima praised the long-standing National Aids Trust Fund, now nearly 20 years old, describing it as a forward-thinking move that has helped the country maintain essential HIV services such as ARVs and laboratory diagnostics.

“We are confident the HIV programme will stay on course,” he said.