HIV Funding Crisis: AIDS 2026 in Rio opens with warnings that global HIV response funding fell sharply in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, putting treatment and prevention gains at risk. HIV Prevention & Access: Kenya is highlighted for cutting new HIV infections by nearly 80% since 2010, but UNAIDS warns progress is fragile as prevention and community services face renewed pressure. Local Health System Pressure: President Mnangagwa again blamed “cartels” in the health sector, while critics point to ongoing hospital drug shortages and staff shortages. Food Safety & Medicines Misuse: An investigation says some Zimbabwe poultry farmers are illegally mixing human ARVs into chicken feed and water, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance and diversion of life-saving HIV medicines. Public Health & Water: Chitungwiza residents have sued the municipality over a long-running sewage crisis, alleging raw sewage contaminates homes and boreholes and fuels water-borne disease risk. Border Health Risks: MSF warns anti-migrant violence at the South Africa–Zimbabwe border is escalating into a humanitarian health crisis, with people needing ongoing treatment and mental health support. Tobacco Control Training: African public health advocates trained in Lagos to better monitor and counter tobacco industry interference in policy. Rural Climate Resilience: Mudzi women dairy farmers are using spineless cactus fodder to protect livestock feed during droughts. Health Tech & Access: Telehealth is expanding rural healthcare access in Zimbabwe.