Zimbabwe has enough HIV drugs for everyone. The country spent $12 million buying medicine that will last until September. People worried about running out because the US might stop giving money for health care. President Trump's team decided to change how America helps other countries.
The US gives lots of money to fight HIV, AIDS, and other sicknesses in Zimbabwe. Many feared what would happen if this help stopped suddenly. But Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, the Health Minister, says everything will be fine. He told reporters at a meeting in Chinhoyi that new shipments of medicine will arrive by June.
"We made plans to protect our people," Dr. Mombeshora said. "The nation has plenty of HIV drugs for anyone who needs them. Please stay calm. We put aside $12 million just for buying more medicine." The government buys these drugs in smaller amounts several times a year to make sure they never run out completely.
Zimbabwe wants to find new ways to pay for these life-saving drugs instead of relying on just the AIDS tax money. The government has changed its spending plans to make HIV drugs, malaria medicine, and TB treatments the top concern. The US currently pays for about 36 percent of these programs.
"We changed our money plans to cover this 36 percent gap," the Minister explained. "President Mnangagwa believes our country must build itself, which applies to health care as well. Any outside help should be extra, not expected." Zimbabwe has seen fewer new HIV cases lately, hitting important targets for treatment success.
The Health Ministry also plans to start a National Health Insurance program covering all citizens. The Finance Ministry will decide how to collect money for this plan. These insurance funds will help buy equipment for hospitals and clinics across Zimbabwe. Under this new system, every citizen would receive health insurance.
The US gives lots of money to fight HIV, AIDS, and other sicknesses in Zimbabwe. Many feared what would happen if this help stopped suddenly. But Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, the Health Minister, says everything will be fine. He told reporters at a meeting in Chinhoyi that new shipments of medicine will arrive by June.
"We made plans to protect our people," Dr. Mombeshora said. "The nation has plenty of HIV drugs for anyone who needs them. Please stay calm. We put aside $12 million just for buying more medicine." The government buys these drugs in smaller amounts several times a year to make sure they never run out completely.
Zimbabwe wants to find new ways to pay for these life-saving drugs instead of relying on just the AIDS tax money. The government has changed its spending plans to make HIV drugs, malaria medicine, and TB treatments the top concern. The US currently pays for about 36 percent of these programs.
"We changed our money plans to cover this 36 percent gap," the Minister explained. "President Mnangagwa believes our country must build itself, which applies to health care as well. Any outside help should be extra, not expected." Zimbabwe has seen fewer new HIV cases lately, hitting important targets for treatment success.
The Health Ministry also plans to start a National Health Insurance program covering all citizens. The Finance Ministry will decide how to collect money for this plan. These insurance funds will help buy equipment for hospitals and clinics across Zimbabwe. Under this new system, every citizen would receive health insurance.
