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“The problem is that some people cannot afford to buy these drugs every month and that puts them in a dilemma.”
ZNNP+ chairperson for Zvishavane Mrs Maifa Banda said cotrimoxazole drug must be given for free to people living with HIV.
“We are supposed to get this drug for free but clinics will tell you to buy your own. One has to spend about $5 per month and not everyone can afford that,” she said.
Matabeleland North provincial ZNNP+ coordinator Mr Sipho Mahlangu said people living with HIV risk being attacked by opportunistic infections if they do not get the drug.
“We have the same problem in Matabeleland North. Victoria Falls was lucky enough to get a donor who pledged to supply drugs to 4 000 people. At least this can take us to the next two months,” said Mr Mahlangu. However, other districts remain in a dilemma. The shortage of this drug means people living with HIV cannot effectively fight opportunistic infections and that creates problems.”
ZNNP+ board chairman Mr Sebastian Chinhaire described the shortage of cotrimoxazole as a national problem.
“This is a national problem and it pains us a lot. Cotrimoxazole should be given for free. We have engaged the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare over the issue but things have not changed. The country has over 500 000 people on ART and half of these are taking cotrimoxazole to boost their immune system. This is a problem that needs to be addressed,” said Mr Chinhaire.
“The most affected are the people who live in rural areas and some of them cannot even get $1. They cannot also afford transport costs.
“We are left to get aid from donors when the Government is there. If these donors pull out it means thousands of our members would be wiped away.”
Contacted for comment, a Ministry of Health and Child Welfare official from the pharmaceutical directorate, a Mr Mudzimu, said the Government was aware of the issue but declined to comment, referring all questions to the permanent secretary, Dr Gerald Gwinji.
“Yes we are aware of that development and have discussed a number of such issues. But the spokesperson of the ministry is the permanent secretary, Dr Gwinji. If he gives us the go ahead we will discuss that in detail,” said Mr Mudzimu.
Dr Gwinji could not be reached on his mobile phone.
Online Reporter