Zimbabwe has recorded an increase in HIV/AIDS-related deaths through the first half of 2025, with well being authorities reporting 5,932 fatalities between January and June, a rise of 220 deaths in comparison with the identical interval in 2024.
The figures have been disclosed by Well being and Little one Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora throughout a parliamentary question-and-answer session on Wednesday, following an inquiry by Kwekwe legislator Corban Madzivanyika. The minister offered comparative information displaying the uptick in HIV-related mortality, prompting concern amongst lawmakers.
Some members of Parliament expressed fears that dwindling worldwide help for HIV/AIDS packages may very well be affecting remedy entry and driving up fatalities. Madzivanyika particularly questioned whether or not donor funding withdrawals have been undermining the nation’s means to offer life-saving antiretroviral remedy.
In response, Mombeshora dismissed funding as the first reason for the rise. “The present mortality figures don’t replicate funding shortages,” he stated. “All essential drugs have been procured earlier than any finances reductions took impact.”
He added that Zimbabwe had secured sufficient antiretroviral medication to final by way of September, with further provides anticipated earlier than the tip of the 12 months. The minister urged warning towards untimely conclusions, noting that complete assessments of HIV mortality tendencies are sometimes performed in annual critiques.
Regardless of the assurances, some opposition lawmakers, together with Emakhandeni-Luveve MP Discent Bajila and Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire, continued to query the federal government’s clarification and pressed for additional clarification on potential underlying causes.
Non permanent Speaker Joe Tshuma backed Mombeshora’s stance, arguing that it might be inaccurate to hyperlink the rise in deaths to latest adjustments in worldwide funding, given the reporting interval.
Zimbabwe has beforehand confronted challenges attributable to shifting donor priorities, together with the suspension of U.S. funding through the Trump administration. Nonetheless, the nation has made important progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which goal for 95% of individuals residing with HIV to know their standing, 95% of these recognized to obtain sustained remedy, and 95% of these on remedy to realize viral suppression.
Well being authorities say they’re persevering with to observe the scenario, and the ministry maintains that treatment stocks stay satisfactory for all sufferers at the moment enrolled in remedy packages throughout the nation.