29/07/2026
Health Fonds Trust Statement on Barriers to HIV Treatment Access
Health Fonds Trust is deeply concerned by disturbing reports from our community advocates regarding access to HIV treatment services following the transition of the former USAID-supported Key Population Clinic at the New Start Centre.
According to reports received from the ground, clients are now being required to pay for services that were previously provided at no cost, including charges for collecting antiretroviral therapy (ART) and approximately US$43 for essential blood tests. These costs present a significant barrier to treatment access for many people living with HIV.
This development comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to face severe economic hardship. Nearly half of the population lives in extreme poverty, with many households struggling to meet their basic needs. Official poverty data also shows that many Zimbabweans remain below the minimum income required to meet essential food and non-food needs. (World Food Programme)
Our community advocates are already witnessing the devastating reality that many clients cannot even afford the US$5 consultation fees charged at some public health institutions. Introducing higher user fees for life-saving HIV services risks interrupting treatment, reducing adherence, and undermining the progress Zimbabwe has made in the national HIV response.
Health Fonds Trust urgently calls upon the Ministry of Health and Child Care, development partners, implementing organisations, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent people from accessing essential HIV treatment and monitoring services. Access to ART and the investigations required for effective HIV care should never depend on a person's ability to pay.
No one should be forced to choose between feeding their family and accessing life-saving treatment.
