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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Zimbabwe poultry antiretroviral drug scandal

Overview

Investigations in late July 2026 revealed that some poultry producers in Zimbabwe are illegally adding antiretroviral medicines—intended for HIV patients—to chicken feed and water. The scheme, documented by the Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project, aims to accelerate growth, shorten the time to market, and lower mortality from diseases such as Newcastle disease, thereby increasing profit margins.

Health officials warned that the presence of ARV residues in meat could threaten food safety, potentially diminish the effectiveness of HIV treatment for consumers, and exacerbate drug shortages for the country's 1.3 million people living with HIV. Similar misuse has been reported in Tanzania and Uganda, raising broader concerns about drug diversion and public‑health risks. Authorities have not yet confirmed a regulatory response.

Entities

antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) · Zimbabwe · Zimbabwean poultry farmers · people living with HIV · Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project

Timeline

  1. 13 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Zimbabwe Farmers Use HIV Drugs to Speed Chicken Growth

    Investigation finds Zimbabwe poultry farmers adding HIV antiretroviral drugs to chicken feed to hasten growth, sparking food‑safety concerns and worries over drug shortages for HIV patients.

  2. 16 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Zimbabwe chicken farms illegally feed antiretroviral drugs to boost growth

    Harare poultry farmers illegally add HIV antiretroviral drugs to chicken feed to spur growth, raising health concerns over drug residues and resistance.

Sources

courrierinternational.com · gambakwe.com · myzimbabwe.co.zw · newzimbabwe.com