Malawi: The Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has assured the public that the country has sufficient antiretroviral drugs (ARV) drugs for HIV patients. The assurance has allegedly come after United States withdrew the support of HIV/AIDS medication.
Monster of Health, Chiponda said the public should not worry about the drugs as they have the medication in stock. He assured that this is despite the recent withdrawal of the HIV and Aids funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The assurance was made on Monday, during a media interaction. The United States of America, after the directive from President Donald Trump to withdraw USAID funds.
“People should not panic about the withdrawal of USAID funds as they are reorganising themselves, our services are continuing as they were in all health facilities across the country,” she said.
The Minister said the government is also relying on other donor partners who are still helping in the health system of Malawi. The medication is helping several people across the nation in maintaining their health and living a comfortable life.
The withdrawal of the medical support will affect the healthcare sector, but the Minister and his team are dedicated to finding a solution to the crisis. The officials have shared that it is the responsibility of the healthcare ministry to provide healthcare to people.
“We have the Health Sector Joint Fund, which includes contributions from Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and other development partners in bridging the financial gap left by USAID withdrawal,” She stated.
Chiponda further said the government has recruited additional healthcare workers to fill the vacancies left by departing US-supported staff.
Recently USAID withdrew all projects in Malawi and other African countries due to significant budget cuts and policy shifts within the US government. The people of the various nations across Africa are finding alternatives to this situation.
The officials have shared that the situation is being rectified with the help of other organisations.