Sundaymail Editor
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
THE Government has instructed the National Aids Council to acquire an extra three months’ worth of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), in addition to the existing six months’ supply currently available, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Aspect Maunganidze told Parliament today.
Dr Maunganidze appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care to brief parliamentarians on the impact of the withdrawal of funding by the US Government.
The US Government withdrew its global aid funding following the signing of Executive Orders by President Donald Trump when he assumed office in January.
“As a matter of urgency, we have directed that the National Aids Council to procure three months’ supply in addition to the six months we have in stock while we work out the medium- and long-term plans,” Dr Maunganidze said.
It was also important, he added, that the Treasury timeously disburse its allocation to his ministry, noting a supplementary budget would be required to cover the funding gap created by the withdrawal of US funding.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter