A Zambian deputy minister of health has admitted rationing HIV treatment but blames UNICEF for the delay in making the lifesaving drugs available.
Speaking during a press briefing at the third International Conference on Family Planning on 11 November, Dr Christopher Mulenga said that UNICEF’s delay in supplying antiretroviral medication forced the Zambian government to adopt a rationing system.
Dr Mulenga said: “We have never, ever had a shortage of the drugs. UNICEF delayed in delivering the drugs, and we have nothing to do with it. We had low levels of supply, and low levels are normal; it does not mean that the government has run out of drugs. So we reduced the allocation. Those who should have received four months of drugs received [enough] for two months so we could cater for others.”
Until recently UNICEF was in charge of arranging procurements of antiretroviral drugs for Zambia. The organization has not replied to a request for a response to Dr Mulenga’s statement.
Increased budget for medication
Dr Mulenga also said the government was committed to making sure it meets the challenge of dependence syndrome – where Zambia is reliant on donor aid to provide services. In response to this it has increased the budget for medication – including antiretrovals – from about $20 million USD in 2010 to about $170 million.
Dr Mulenga said: “We are progressing very well. The government has paid particular attention and passion to ensuring that we meet the benchmarks where drugs are concerned.”
He said Zambia was among the few countries in Africa giving free medication to its citizens, including antiretroviral treatment.
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