Some African countries have a high level of HIV prevalence, affecting more than 13 per cent of the population in Zimbabwe and HIV prevalence rate of eight percent in adult women and four percent in adult men. In the face of rising needs, Zimbabwe’s healthcare budget is underfunded and stocks of essential medicines, diagnostics and supplies have been depleted due to foreign currency shortages. Many private pharmaceutical suppliers now only accept United States dollars and have dramatically increased their pricing. As a result, many people are unable to pay for basic health services, including vulnerable people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, tuberculosis and HIV. (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs the humanitarian, 2019).

Leap into Hope has visited hospitals in deprived communities and have spoken to the local communities in need. Some hospitals have been running without basic equipment such as BP machines and glucometers. Some wards and hospitals do not have basics medication such as for BP and for diabetes. Some of the people that we spoke at times would have taken themselves off the medications as they cannot afford the cost pf buying own medication.

Investment in some countries has been inadequate with the health sector failing to provide adequate services to the people. Reports show that this affects infant mortality rate i.e. number of infants dying before reaching one year of age. Women due to lack of adequate medical facilities, medication and equipment also die during giving birth. Due to poor funding of the health sector, patients are unable to access drugs and at times are asked to buy from pharmacies but they cannot afford the costs. Some rural hospitals are relying on donors.

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