Zim’s Battle Against HIV/AIDS: Lessons for a Healthier Future

By Newton Mambande

HARARE – AS an economist and historian, I have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on Zimbabwe’s economy. The 1990s and 2000s were especially challenging, with an estimated 25% of the population living with HIV and 123,000 lives lost each year to AIDS-related illnesses.

The consequences reached far beyond health. Labor shortages decimated the workforce, reducing productivity and economic output. Heavy spending on treatment and care diverted resources from other vital sectors. Ultimately, the epidemic deepened Zimbabwe’s economic decline, contributing to plummeting GDP growth rates.

The roots of the crisis were complex. As former South African President Thabo Mbeki observed, “HIV/AIDS is a disease of poverty, exacerbated by limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.” His words remind us that socio-economic factors are central to the epidemic’s spread. Similarly, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan argued forcefully that “issues of health must be addressed squarely,” emphasizing equal access to healthcare as a foundation of any effective response.

International support proved crucial. Organizations such as the World Health Organization, PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and USAID provided life-saving treatment and prevention programs. Yet recent cuts in aid have led to dangerous disruptions in treatment and heightened risks of new infections, showing how fragile these gains can be.

Despite the challenges, Zimbabwe has made progress in recent years. A 3% AIDS levy on income helps fund HIV/AIDS programs. Access to antiretroviral therapy has expanded, reducing AIDS-related deaths. Behavioral changes—including greater condom use and HIV testing—have also taken hold.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe must address poverty through policies that promote economic growth, education, and job creation. Healthcare systems need strengthening, with broader access to treatment and reduced stigma. Empowering women through gender equality, violence prevention, and economic support is equally essential.

With sustained effort, renewed international cooperation, and a firm commitment to equity, Zimbabwe can move closer to overcoming HIV/AIDS for good.

Newton Mambande is an entrepreneur and researcher. He has published scientific research in academic journals and can be reached at newtonmunod@gmail.com or +263773411103.