Published: 2 hours ago

For Deliwe Dube (37), living with HIV in South Africa has not stopped her from accessing life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, thanks to an innovative cross-border arrangement coordinated by her mother.

Since her diagnosis in 2015, Deliwe has relied on her mother, Mrs Dorah Dube, to collect her medication from Chinamasa Clinic in Chiwundura and deliver it through omalayitsha—trusted transporters who ferry people and goods across borders.

"I collect ARVs for my daughter and hand them over to a driver in Gweru who takes them directly to Johannesburg," Mrs Dube explained. "She pays upon delivery. This system ensures she never misses her treatment."

The arrangement is particularly vital for Zimbabweans living abroad without legal documentation, who often struggle to access HIV treatment in neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Botswana.

During a HIV Community ART Monitoring engagement organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Vungu District, Mrs Dube emphasised that these cross-border systems save lives, not only for her daughter but for others in similar situations. "Many who start treatment abroad without planning for continuity often default, leading to preventable deaths," she said.

Chinamasa Clinic has developed a supportive system to facilitate these exchanges, with nurses familiar with returning clients, coordinating appointments, and monitoring care, including cervical cancer screenings. Patients also communicate remotely via WhatsApp, sending test results and staying updated on their health.

Sister Flora Madziva, Sister-in-Charge at the clinic, confirmed that ARVs are dispensed for clients outside Zimbabwe, including those in Botswana and South Africa. "Flexibility in allowing relatives to collect and deliver medication prevents treatment interruptions, which can be life-threatening," she said.

Deliwe's story highlights how community-based, cross-border solutions can bridge healthcare gaps, ensuring that diaspora populations maintain uninterrupted access to essential HIV treatment. Her children were born HIV-negative, demonstrating the effectiveness of consistent ARV use and preventive care.

Mrs Dube urged continued support for such initiatives to ensure other Zimbabweans abroad do not face preventable health risks. "We must make sure others don't suffer the way some have," she said.
- Sunday News