Tinotenda Hove – Zimbabwe will maintain uninterrupted access to HIV medicines for at least the next 10 months, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has confirmed — a reassurance analysts say is welcome but must be matched with strong systems and consistent transparency.

Speaking at the International Candlelight Memorial at Mzingwane High School in Esigodini ahead of World Aids Day at the weekend, Dr Mombeshora said the Government had acted quickly to stabilise the national treatment programme.

“Let me assure you. The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and the National Aids Council (NAC), have come together to make sure these services will continue,” he said. “When there was an announcement that the US government had cut its funding, there was anxiety among those on Antiretroviral (ART) programmes.”

He emphasised that all treatment lines were adequately stocked. “I want to reassure you that we have stocks of every line of drug, with not less than 10 months’ supply. So, we have already started the procurement process to make sure that at every stage we have four months’ stock. There is no need for anyone to panic. Relax.”

However, health analysts note that Zimbabwe has previously faced disruptions due to supply chain delays, procurement bottlenecks, and dependency on external funding. They argue that while the minister’s assurances are important, the real test will be consistent delivery at grassroots level — especially in rural areas where stock-outs have historically been more pronounced.

Dr Mombeshora said the International Candlelight Memorial was a moment of unity and reflection in the fight against HIV. “We gather to honour the lives we have lost, to support those who continue to live courageously with HIV, and to reaffirm our sheer determination to end HIV as a public health threat in Zimbabwe,” he said. “Its theme reminds us that the HIV response is not merely about programmes, policies, or statistics. It is about people. It is about communities.”

He reiterated that the ministry stands in solidarity with people living with HIV and highlighted the critical role of community structures.

“We recognise that communities are not peripheral actors; they are the heart of the HIV response,” he said. “From village health workers to treatment supporters, from community advocates to peer educators, their leadership and lived experiences guide us.”

Analysts add that sustained community involvement will be crucial to bridging gaps in service delivery, improving adherence, and ensuring accountability as funding landscapes continue to shift.

The minister concluded by reaffirming that the voices of People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) remain central to policy and implementation. “The ministry values these voices and continues to ensure they are heard at every level of policy formulation, programme design, and implementation.”