Zimbabwe steps up domestic HIV/Aids funding drive

The Government of Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to mobilize domestic resources to sustain HIV and AIDS prevention programs following significant cuts in international funding, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has disclosed.

Speaking at the National Aids Council (NAC) 2024 Media Awards ceremony held in Harare, Dr. Mombeshora's remarks were delivered by NAC board chairperson Mrs. Nester Mukwewa. The Minister highlighted that recent reductions in financial aid from the United States government have exposed the vulnerabilities of Zimbabwe's national HIV response, which has long depended on external support.

"The recent cuts in financial aid from the US government have exposed the vulnerability of our response, having depended on that aid for years. This calls for unity of purpose in strengthening domestic financing to ensure sustainability, which the Government is now rigorously pursuing," he said.

The National Aids Council has proposed broadening the scope of contributions to the National Aids Trust Fund, commonly known as the Aids Levy, by tapping into Zimbabwe's informal sector. Currently, the levy stands at three percent of every worker's taxable income and is collected monthly. In 2025, NAC aims to raise a total of US$75 million from this fund to support ongoing HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

International funding, particularly from the Global Fund-which has historically contributed around US$500 million annually-has played a critical role in Zimbabwe's HIV response. With cuts to US financial aid, especially from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) and its implementing agencies USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Government is now seeking alternative and sustainable domestic financing solutions.

Among NAC's innovative proposals is the allocation of a portion of capital project budgets-such as those for road-widening initiatives-towards mitigating social risks associated with large infrastructure developments. Such projects often trigger increased population movement, which can heighten the risk of HIV transmission. Integrating preventative measures within these contexts, NAC argues, is a cost-effective approach given that prevention is far less expensive than treatment.

The NAC Media Awards, where Dr. Mombeshora's statement was delivered, are held annually to recognize journalists and media practitioners who have shown outstanding commitment to reporting on HIV and AIDS issues.

Dr. Mombeshora praised the media for its crucial role in raising public awareness, galvanizing national resource mobilization efforts, and addressing the anxiety faced by people living with HIV. He encouraged continued collaboration between the media and the Government to promote early testing, prevention strategies for young people, the fight against stigma and discrimination, and improved treatment coverage, particularly for children.

"Let us continue to work together with renewed vigour and determination to build a future where HIV is no longer a threat to public health, where every individual can live with dignity," Dr. Mombeshora concluded.