The government of Zimbabwe has provided the Republic of Botswana with Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs).
This support comes at a time when Botswana is experiencing medicine-supply issues, including for HIV-related commodities.
Zimbabwe provides ARVs to Botswana
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they have supported Botswana through a consignment of ARVs, with 80% in the form of a loan and 20% being a donation.
The handover was jointly witnessed by Director for Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Spencer Mqabuko Dube; Mrs. Sarah S. Molosiwa, Ambassador of Botswana to Zimbabwe; and NatPharm Managing Director, Mr. Newman Madzikwa.
“The officials oversaw the loading of the consignment before its departure for Botswana,” the Ministry of Foreign affairs posted on X.
“Such humanitarian efforts are integral to Zimbabwe’s broader strategic objectives of shared prosperity, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and advancing regional health security.”
A fight against HIV in Botswana
In Botswana, the fight against HIV has reportedly made impressive gains. However, challenges remain in ensuring uninterrupted access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and full equity across all population groups.
Speaking during the handover, Botswana ambassador to Zimbabwe Sarah Molosiwa expressed her gratitude towards the development.
She confirmed that they had been taken around to see that the trucks were truly loaded with the drugs that were requested from Botswana.
“I want to appreciate this moment on behalf of my country…” she said.
According to the CDC, Botswana has achieved very high overall treatment-coverage for people living with HIV.
How people raected to the Zim’s ARVs donation
Some people took to social media to praise Zimbabwe’s gesture, describing it as a true act of African solidarity and neighbourly love.
Others, however, expressed concern that Zimbabwe itself has faced medicine shortages in the past and questioned whether the country could afford to donate ARVs.
Here are some of the comments:
@Delroy Heiknej: “Where does Zimbabwe get ARVs to donate?”
Jali Skosi:“There’s lot of Zimbabweans in Botswana that’s why they’re donating, here in South Africa they smuggle them to Zimbabwe.”
Dugary Ngcobo: “So they steal from SA to donate them to Botswana.”
Tawanda Zhou: “Zimbabwe donating medicine, why they didn’t exchange with paracetamol bcz hospitals are dry.”
