According to available statistics, the number of people who are eligible for antiretroviral treatment has increased from 340 000 to 500 000, leaving the government with a gap it is struggling to meet because of cash constraints.
“We came very close to achieving universal access targets. In adopting the WHO guidelines, my ministry has improved and strengthened treatment for HIV/TB co-infected patients. Our new guidelines are very ambitious and therefore will be based on availability of resources.”
The WHO guidelines state that all people with HIV infection and HIV counts of 350 should start ART regardless of the presence or absence of clinical symptoms and also the adoption of simplified and less toxic antiretroviral drugs.
Zimbabwe has adopted both and hopes that donors who have been threatening to leave HIV projects will stay and continue to assist in battling the disease that kills thousands annually and has left a million children orphaned.
“With the support that we are receiving from the Global Fund, our multilateral and bi-lateral partners and other donors, there is every hope that we will be achieving our universal access to treatment targets in the short term,” said Mombeshora.
He added that improvements in the National AIDS Trust Fund collections, commonly referred to as the AIDS levy, has also strengthened hope in carrying out sustainable ART programmes.
“Although we have rapidly scaled up provision of ART services through outreach services, reaching over 320 000 clients, we are still far below the total number of people requiring the services,” said Mombeshora.
Post published in: News