MUTARE - Most people living with HIV/Aids are on the verge of dying due to the shortage of antiretroviral drugs supplies in rural areas.
In a mini survey carried out by The Zimbabwean last week in Mutare South, it was revealed that most patients affected by AIDS had not been receiving the drugs for some time.
I only received the drugs (ARVs) once in February last year. Up to now, I have no medication and my health has seriously deteriorated, said Lovemore Saburi of Zimunya. He added that he had resorted to using herbs after failing to access the drugs. A nurse at Zimunya Clinic said the clinic was failing to provide enough drugs due to the shortage on the market as well as increased demand.
Currently we have 300 registered patients under the antiretroviral therapy programme (ART) at the clinic, but we are failing to provide for them due to the shortage of the drug in the country, said the nurse. The National Aids Council of Zimbabwe (NAC) has been calling on the government to address the situation through the urgent provision of funds.
Post published in: News