Poor Antiretroviral Supplies in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, Africa the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) kills thousands by attacking the immune system. The deaths of children range from six thousand to seven thousand. The country has the antiretroviral treatment, but it is only offered to fifteen year olds on up. As a result, that leaves the children younger than fifteen to face a slow agonizing death.  AIDS is not only transmitted through bodily fluids during sexual intercourse, it can also be transmitted through a women’s breast milk. When the mother feeds the infant her breast milk, another innocent life becomes subjected to AIDS. According to Dr. Peter Salama, "It is important to have an early infant diagnosis as 50 percent of those children not tested will not be able to reach the age of two." Last year Zimbabwe could provide only thirty percent of children with the paediatric ART. This was less than the regional average. The lack of advanced technology in Zimbabwe, Africa is the major reason why AIDS is so prevalent. Technology is most definitely important when testing children, because testing children is much more complicating than testing adults. Children require instant infant diagnosis. Zimbabwe is in need of better laboratory equipment and infrastructure. This can quickly determine the results of the HIV/AIDS test so they can begin the treatment process for the children. Dr.Peter Salama is hoping by next year that this issue of paediatric ART will be prioritized on round 11 of the Global Fund.

Zimbabwe, Africa should be provided with the correct and proper research tools needed in the process of finding AIDS. By having the proper equipment, children will be able to receive treatment before it’s too late. Every life is precious and should be long lived.

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