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The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria has disbursed about US$21 million for HIV, the bulk of which will be used to procure anti-retroviral drugs for the country. The country co-ordinating mechanism secretariat for Global Fund co-ordinator Mr Rangarirai Chiteure said US$14,7 million of the US$21,8 million disbursed would be directed towards the procurement of ARVs for the period between January to June 2014. “The disbursement will avert any possible disruptions in supply of ARVs,” said Mr Chiteure.
Zimbabwe had expected that funding meant for procurements be disbursed before January as procurements always take longer resulting in disruptions in supplies.
Of late, the country has been experiencing drug shortages of second line Abacavier, with officials blaming it on slow procurement processes. The drugs have, however, been airlifted to the country instead of sea freight after national ARV stocks dwindled to very low levels.
The recent deliveries are enough to last the country for the next five years.
Mr Chiteure said the disbursement of US$21 million is part of the US$311 million approved last year for programmes to start between 2014 and 2016. Zimbabwe had applied for US$555 million saying it is its actual need to combat the three diseases but GF approved US$311 million.
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