A looming crisis is threatening Zimbabwe’s robust HIV prevention efforts as a funding gap of over US$10 million has emerged for the procurement of condoms in 2025 and 2026. This financial shortfall, caused by the withdrawal of support from key international donors, has cast a shadow over the nation’s hard-earned progress in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Zimbabwe’s condom distribution programme has been a cornerstone of its HIV prevention strategy, relying heavily on the generosity of international partners like the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. These organizations have been instrumental in providing the financial backbone for the distribution of free condoms through the public sector, reaching millions of Zimbabweans.
However, the tide has turned, with both PEPFAR and the Global Fund announcing their withdrawal of funding for the condom programme in 2026. This decision has left the Ministry of Health and Child Care scrambling to find alternative sources of funding to maintain the vital supply of condoms.
“The Global Fund committed US$3,3 million towards condom procurement in 2024 and PEPFAR funds that have been committed to procure male and female condoms including lubricants amount to US$7,1 million. For 2025, we have US$1,96 million committed from Global Fund and about US$2,15 million committed from PEPFAR so we have a funding gap of US$1,8 million for female condoms. In 2026, there is no committed funding for both male and female condoms so we require US$9,4 million,” said Ms Anna Machiya, the Ministry of Health’s national coordinator for STI prevention and condom distribution.
The Ministry is now looking towards domestic resources to bridge this significant funding gap. The National Aids Trust Fund (Aids Levy) and the Treasury are being approached to fill the void left by the departing donors.
“We started some advocacy some time back around increasing domestic funding and removal of VAT and duty for commercial sector condoms to create an environment where we have more commercial sector players coming into the condom market with cheaper brands of condoms. This will relieve the burden on free public condom distribution as people may migrate to use those other condom brands that will be available on the market. These are issues that we are pursuing as a Ministry and as a programme,” added Ms Machiya.
The potential disruption of the condom supply chain is a cause for serious concern, as it could have devastating consequences for Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention efforts. The country has made significant strides in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. However, these gains could be jeopardised if access to condoms is compromised.
“Success in condom programming heavily depends on its connectedness to other Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV prevention, including treatment and care, support programmes. And as such, comprehensive condom programming shall be an integral component of these programmes with male and female condoms being promoted therein to widen their access and maximise on synergies,” Ms Machiya stressed.
The Ministry is also exploring ways to encourage the private sector to play a more active role in condom distribution. The removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties on commercial condoms is being considered as a potential incentive for private companies to enter the market, offering a wider range of affordable condom options.
Beyond the financial challenges, the Ministry is also focusing on social and behavioural change interventions to promote condom use. This includes engaging men and community leaders as partners in promoting safer sex practices and encouraging them to be role models and advocates for condom use.
“Men and young people must be empowered with skills and knowledge, including negotiation for safer sex, to enable them to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health,” Ms Machiya emphasised.
The current situation underscores the importance of sustained and predictable funding for HIV prevention programmes. The withdrawal of international support has highlighted the vulnerability of Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention efforts, and the need for a more robust and sustainable domestic funding mechanism.
