HIV Network Raises Concern Over Halted US Health Funding Talks

The Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) has expressed concern over the possible impact of Zimbabwe’s decision to discontinue negotiations on a proposed US$350 million health funding agreement with the United States.

In a statement released on Monday, ZNNP+, which represents more than 1.3 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Zimbabwe, warned that the move could put lives at risk if alternative funding is not secured.

The organisation acknowledged the Government’s responsibility to protect national sovereignty but said international health partnerships have played a critical role in Zimbabwe’s HIV response for decades. Support from US-backed programmes such as PEPFAR and USAID has helped ensure access to antiretroviral therapy, viral load testing, and treatment for advanced HIV-related conditions.

ZNNP+ said suspending negotiations could create a major funding gap that the national budget may struggle to cover, potentially affecting the supply of life-saving medication and support services.

The group raised concerns about possible treatment interruptions, warning that any break in antiretroviral therapy could lead to drug resistance, opportunistic infections, and increased deaths. It also cautioned that Zimbabwe’s progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets could be reversed.

ZNNP+ further noted that health funding supports more than medication, including community health workers, rural clinics, and support systems relied upon by vulnerable populations.

The organisation also warned that rejecting US government funding could weaken trust with other international partners, including the Global Fund, the United Nations, and the European Union.

ZNNP+ has appealed to the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, to re-engage in dialogue and put the lives of people living with HIV at the centre of negotiations.

The organisation also called on the government to provide a clear contingency plan outlining how the US$350 million funding gap would be covered if talks do not resume, to ensure that no person living with HIV is left without treatment or support.

ZNNP+ said it remains ready to work with all stakeholders to help develop an agreement that protects national interests while safeguarding public health.