The National Aids Council (NAC) says it is facing shortages of foreign currency of up to US$6,9 million owed to suppliers.
There are concerns that this development may result in a severe shortage of Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs).
NAC acting chief executive officer Albert Manenji recently appeared before the HIV and Aids and Portfolio Committee.
Manenji was giving oral evidence following a petition by the Zimbabwe Aids Network, which implored the government to release the money and show commitment to the Global Fund. He said:
The Ministry of Finance has addressed us and pledged to pay the $6,9 million at a rate of 1:1.
So following that pledge, NAC then went to the Health Ministry to check on the commitment and an amount of $2,5 million was allocated in July. But instead of getting at 1:1, we were told we would get it at the interbank rate.
Manenji revealed that whereas the Council urgently need around $22 million, it only had $1 million in its coffers.
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