Zimbabwe Assists Botswana With Donated And Loaned ARV Drugs

Zimbabwe has dispatched a consignment of life-saving Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs to Botswana following shortages in the neighbouring country.

The consignment, which left Harare on Thursday, 30 October 2025, includes a combination of donated and loaned medication aimed at stabilising supply levels in Botswana’s public health facilities.

According to the Botswana Embassy in Harare, 20 percent of the ARV consignment was a donation, while the remaining 80 percent was sent under a loan arrangement between the two governments. It said:

“Trucks carrying Anti-Retrovirals (ARVs) departed Harare, Zimbabwe en route to Gaborone, Botswana.

“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.

“Her Excellency Sarah S. Molosiwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of Zimbabwe conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on behalf of President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and the Government of the Republic of Botswana for this vital gesture of solidarity.”

Botswana had been experiencing delays in the delivery of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs ordered from international suppliers.

The delays led to a temporary shortage in several health facilities, prompting the government to seek assistance from neighbouring countries.

The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, confirmed the loan and donation of ARVs to Botswana to help stabilise supply levels. It said:

“The Government of Zimbabwe has extended vital support to the Republic of Botswana through a consignment of Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs), with 80% in the form of a loan and 20% being a donation.

“The handover was jointly witnessed by Director for Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Spencer Mqabuko Dube; Mrs. Sarah S. Molosiwa, Ambassador of Botswana to Zimbabwe; and NatPharm Managing Director, Mr. Newman Madzikwa. The officials oversaw the loading of the consignment before its departure for Botswana.

“Such humanitarian efforts are integral to Zimbabwe’s broader strategic objectives of shared prosperity, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and advancing regional health security.”

Related:

Zimbabwean Chicken Farmers Dosing Chickens With HIV Drugs Woman, 30, jailed six months for selling weed to schoolchildren