Health Reporter
Health facilities in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe are facing severe shortages of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, forcing healthcare providers to reduce the amount of medication dispensed to HIV patients.
In Tsholotsho, healthcare providers have had to repackage ARTs from a 3-month supply to as little as 1 week per patient when supplies were low. They sometimes have to borrow supplies from other centers to meet demand.
The ideal situation is to have a 6-month supply of ARV drugs, but this is not being achieved in the region.
Beyond ARV shortages, healthcare facilities also lack essential reagents and testing kits for conducting CD4 count and viral load tests for HIV patients.
Most healthcare facilities are understaffed, leading to long queues for patients trying to access their ARV supplies.
Statistics show high numbers of people living with HIV in the affected districts, with more women than men accessing testing and treatment.
The report highlights the significant challenges the region is facing in providing consistent and adequate HIV treatment and care due to shortages of essential medicines and resources. This is putting the health of many HIV patients at risk.
Zim GBC News©2024