HARARE – The United States (US) government has pledged an additional US$150,000 to fight the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Zimbabwe.
This is an addition to US$470,000 availed last month through the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The latest contribution, according to the U.S. embassy in Harare, is specifically to assist people living with HIV.
“The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (or PEPFAR) is using at least $150,000 to help with Covid-19 prevention measures in Zimbabwe, specifically targeted at people living with HIV,” the embassy said in a statement.
“This PEPFAR funding includes the purchase of soap, buckets, hand washing stations and hand sanitiser for supported facilities, and the reproduction of Covid-19 communication materials to be shared at supported facilities and through faith and community networks around Zimbabwe.”
Three PEPFAR clinical implementing partners – the Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID), the International Training and Education Centre for Health (I-TECH) and the Zimbabwe Association of Church-related Hospitals (ZACH) – will carry out the activities.
“People living with HIV who are not on treatment or virally suppressed may be at greater risk of developing severe symptoms of Covid-19,” the embassy noted.
The United States is recommending that people living with HIV should take precautions, including keeping at least three months’ worth of anti-retroviral medication in their homes, washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing and avoiding others who are sick.
Last month, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pledged US$470,000 to the WHO to support Zimbabwe’s fight against Covid-19.
Through this funding, the WHO will prepare laboratories for large-scale testing for Covid-19, implement a public-health emergency plan for points of entry, and activate case-finding and evidence-based surveillance for influenza-like illnesses.
The United States says it has provided over US$1 billion in health assistance to strengthen health systems in Zimbabwe since 1980, when the country gained its independence from Britain.
