By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
In a show of regional solidarity, Zimbabwe has come to Botswana’s aid, sending a consignment of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to help ease temporary shortages in its neighbour’s HIV treatment programme.
The delivery arrived in Gaborone on Thursday.
“The government of the Republic of Zimbabwe extended a generous gesture to the Republic of Botswana through a loan facility, with 20% of the consignment as a donation and 80% provided as a loan to be reimbursed in the form of ARVs,” the Embassy of Botswana in Zimbabwe said.
Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Sarah S. Molosiwa, was on site to oversee the send-off, where she was received by Mr. Newman Mazikwa, Managing Director of NatPharm, Zimbabwe’s state-owned pharmaceutical company.
Ambassador Molosiwa was accompanied by embassy officials Mr. Mollowakgotla A. Kenosi and Ms. Wame P. Itshepeng, while a delegation from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. M.S. Dube, helped facilitate the consignment.
The exchange underscores growing regional cooperation in public health, as Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical capacity continues to play a key role in supporting southern Africa’s healthcare systems.