Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has assured the public that the country has sufficient antiretroviral drugs (ARV)drugs for HIV patients.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Chiponda said the public should not worry about the drugs as they have in stock despite the recent withdrawal of the HIV and Aids funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“People should not panic about the withdrawal of USAID funds as they are reorganising themselves, our services are continuing as they were in all health facilities across the country,” she said.

The Minister said the government is also relying on other donor partners who are still helping in the health system of Malawi.

“We have the Health Sector Joint Fund, which includes contributions from Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and other development partners in bridging the financial gap left by USAID withdrawal,” She stated.

Chiponda further said the government has recruited additional healthcare workers to fill the vacancies left by departing US-supported staff.

Recently USAID withdrew all projects in Malawi and other African countries due to significant budget cuts and policy shifts within the US government.