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enough drugs in stock.
He attributed the shortages in health centres to logistical problems and bureaucratic bungling.

“What I know is that at national level we have enough stocks of ARVs,” Dr Mugurungi said.
He dismissed reports that people were given drugs enough for only two weeks, saying Government’s position was to provide at least a month’s supply.
Information gathered by The Herald indicates that the crisis, which started some months back, has affected most districts, including clinics around Harare.

Also see

• Global Fund team in Zim to assess progress

According to the World Health Organisation, drug interruption is among the chief causes of treatment failure.
WHO director of HIV department Dr Gottfried Hirnschall said good programme management and the use of simpler, more effective combinations of ARVs helped to manage drug resistance.

“Simpler regimens using fixed-dose combinations have made it much easier for people to adhere to anti-retroviral treatment, limiting the spread of drug resistance in recent years.”

However, some health workers are reportedly taking advantage of the crisis creating artificial shortages.
The drugs are reportedly looted and sold at higher prices.

However, Government sources attributed the shortages to delay in disbursement of funds by the Global Fund to Fight HIV and Aids.
“A disbursement that was supposed to have been done in January only came through in July.
“As you know the Global Fund provides the majority of ARVs in the public sector and a delay in the flow of funds makes a huge impact on drug availability.”

The Global Fund is working in 22 districts in Zimbabwe.