Moffat Mungazi
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
THE recent suspension of US aid to Zimbabwe’s HIV and AIDS programmes has put thousands of lives at risk.
For years, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has funded life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for millions of Zimbabweans living with HIV.
With the halting of this funding, many patients face the danger of treatment disruptions, which could have devastating health consequences.
Below are some of the risks of stopping ARVs and viable options for those affected.
Drug Resistance and Treatment Failure: When people living with HIV miss doses or stop taking their ARVs altogether, the virus can mutate and become resistant to medication.
This means that first-line ARVs may no longer work, forcing patients onto more expensive second- or third-line treatments, which may not always be readily available.
Increased Risk of Opportunistic Infections: Without ARVs, the immune system weakens, leaving patients vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and fungal infections, which can be life-threatening.
Higher Risk of HIV Transmission: ARVs help suppress the viral load, making it nearly undetectable and reducing the risk of transmission.
If treatment is interrupted, viral loads can increase, raising the likelihood of spreading HIV to sexual partners or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Increased HIV-Related deaths: Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing HIV-related deaths over the years.
If ART access is disrupted, mortality rates could rise as more people develop AIDS-related complications.
Psychological and Emotional Impact: Many HIV-positive individuals rely on treatment, not just for their physical health, but also for mental well-being.
Losing access to ARVs can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, making it harder for patients to cope with their diagnosis.
Viable Options for Patients Facing ARV Shortages
Utilise Government-Supplied ARVs: The Ministry of Health and Child Care still provides ARVs at public hospitals and clinics.
Patients should visit their nearest government facility to confirm availability and register for continued treatment.
Seek Support from NGOs and Community Clinics: Organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) continue to support HIV patients.
These groups may offer alternative access to ARVs or provide referrals to clinics with available medication.
Switch to Local Subsidised Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, particularly in urban centres, provide ARVs at subsidised prices.
Patients should inquire about affordability and availability before their current supply runs out.
Enrol in Medical Aid Schemes: For those who can afford it, private medical aid schemes offer access to ARVs at private health facilities, which may be less affected by funding cuts.
Most medical aid societies provide HIV treatment coverage.
Join HIV Support Groups for Guidance: Community-based HIV support groups can provide crucial information on where to access medication, nutritional support, and mental health services.
Support groups also help with emotional well-being and sharing strategies for managing treatment disruptions.
The US aid suspension presents a serious challenge for Zimbabwe’s HIV response, but those affected have options to mitigate the risks of treatment disruption.
Patients should act quickly by exploring Government health facilities, development partners, pharmacies, and community support groups to ensure continued access to ARVs.
Meanwhile, Government and other stakeholders must prioritise local funding solutions to avoid dependence on foreign aid for critical health programmes.
For more information on HIV treatment options, contact [email protected].
Online Reporter