AIDS Levy sustains Zimbabwe’s HIV response amid declining donor support

PostAdmin June 23, 2026 in Politics, Top Story - 2 Minutes

Trymore Tagwirei

Zimbabwe’s National AIDS Trust Fund, popularly known as the AIDS Levy, is proving increasingly critical to the country’s pandemic response in light of shrinking international donor support.

This was highlighted during the recent Masvingo Provincial World AIDS Day commemorations held at Mutonhori High School in the Zaka district.

In his remarks, National AIDS Council (NAC) Masvingo Provincial Manager Takudzwa Kombora (pictured) said the government is working to build a more independent HIV response by improving the mobilization and deployment of local resources.

“Some donors have pulled out, but the government has pledged to strengthen health infrastructure, capacitate health workers, and expand innovative domestic financing mechanisms to complement the National AIDS Trust Fund,” Kombora said.

First established in 1999, the AIDS Levy is a mandatory 3% tax applied to individual incomes (PAYE) and corporate profits. It was designed to sustainably fund national HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, with the revenue channeled directly into the National AIDS Trust Fund and administered by NAC.

Kombora explained that the AIDS Levy finances key HIV interventions through NAC’s social contracting model. This model provides crucial funding to Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) implementing programs tailored to specific local needs.

One such initiative receiving support is the Brother2Brother (B2B) program, implemented by the Tariro Youth Development Foundation. The program targets boys and young men aged 10 to 24, equipping them with comprehensive HIV information, life skills, sexual and reproductive health knowledge, and economic empowerment opportunities.

Kombora noted that the initiative adopts a holistic approach by combining peer mentorship, sports, and entrepreneurship to address the underlying socioeconomic factors that increase vulnerability to HIV infection.

“It focuses on empowering adolescent boys and young men with HIV information, life skills, and economic opportunities,” Kombora said. “By combining peer mentorship, sports, and entrepreneurship, we are addressing factors that increase vulnerability to HIV while creating positive role models within communities.”

However, he also identified stigma and discrimination as persistent challenges that continue to undermine progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, despite significant advancements in medical treatment and public awareness.

Speaking at the event, Chief Nyakunhuwa (born Oswell Maguta) commended the NAC for its continued commitment to fighting the epidemic through grassroots, community-based programming.

“We appreciate the work being done in our communities. Despite the withdrawal of some donors, these programs are transforming lives and helping our young people make informed decisions,” Chief Nyakunhuwa said.

The two-day event commenced with a candle-lighting ceremony to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS. It provided an opportunity for local communities to reflect on both the progress made in combating the epidemic and the challenges that remain.

The commemorations were held under the national theme: “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”