Zimbabwe’s government reacts to the U.S. aid cuts by pledging to fill funding gaps in health programs, particularly those related to HIV/AIDS. Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini states that despite the withdrawal, the country is formulating a strategy to ensure the continuity of these essential health services and has had prior success in combating the disease. The challenge remains significant given the reliance on U.S. support for many health initiatives, affecting 1.2 million Zimbabweans benefiting from PEPFAR.
The Zimbabwean government has refrained from outright condemnation of the U.S. following the recent cessation of aid to African nations due to a directive from President Donald Trump. This decision impacts countries reliant on U.S. funding for various health initiatives, notably the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been crucial in fighting HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe.
In a response during a National Assembly session, Deputy Minister of Health Sleiman Kwidini emphasized that Zimbabwe aims to fill the gaps left by U.S. funding. He acknowledged potential setbacks stemming from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization, but underscored the commitment of the government to manage these programs independently.
Deputy Minister Kwidini stressed that the government would take charge of health initiatives, previously funded by external stakeholders, and worked on strategies to mitigate the funding loss. He indicated that although support from these organizations has ceased, the government prepared to allocate funds to sustain AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis programs.
Kwidini affirmed the dedication of Zimbabwe’s officials to devise a comprehensive plan for funding, drawing attention to past success in achieving the 95-95-95 targets for HIV/AIDS treatment. However, he cautioned that without immediate actions to secure alternative funding sources, the progress made could be jeopardized, urging the Ministry’s technocrats to focus on practical solutions for resource allocation.
1.2 million Zimbabweans benefit from PEPFAR, with 1,600 health facilities previously receiving U.S. technical support. The withdrawal of U.S. financial aid poses a new challenge for Zimbabwe’s health sector, making it imperative for the government to formulate effective strategies for continued healthcare delivery amidst these funding cuts.
The Zimbabwean government faces a critical challenge following the suspension of U.S. financial aid, which was pivotal in funding health initiatives combating HIV/AIDS. Deputy Minister Kwidini has committed to addressing this funding void by reallocating national resources and developing new strategies to sustain health programs. Meeting the health needs of 1.2 million citizens now relies heavily on the government’s ability to effectively manage and fund these initiatives independently.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
