LUSAKA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Thursday assured the public of a stable supply of life-saving HIV drugs despite the decision by the U.S. government, the major supplier, to halt the supply.
The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency, a government agency responsible for the procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and medical supplies, said there are sufficient antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to meet the needs of all patients nationwide.
"There is no cause for concern, as supply continuity is assured. As of today, our current ARV stock levels are sufficient to last until June 2025," Bradley Chingobe, the agency's senior manager for corporate communications, said in a statement.
He said that the central warehouse and seven regional hubs are well-stocked to ensure the availability of first-line, second-line and third-line ARV regimens for all patients requiring treatment.
According to him, the agency remains committed to its structured nationwide distribution network covering 3,500 health facilities.
The U.S. government announced a 90-day suspension of funding for international development programs, including those in Zambia, on Jan. 20, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of Sept. 30, 2023, Zambia had an estimated 1.5 million individuals living with HIV, with almost 1.3 million of them were on antiretroviral therapy. ■
