The government confirmed on Thursday, December 4, that it is investigating a report regarding the use of antiretrovirals to speed up the growth of chickens in Tete province, acknowledging that drug diversion from hospital units persists. The confirmation was given by Health Minister Ussene Isse during the parliamentary session dedicated to the Economic and Social Plan and State Budget (PESOE) for 2026.
Ussene Isse explained that the government became aware of the case after reports circulated on social media, emphasizing that the situation involves medications from the National Health System. The minister highlighted that the government is treating the matter as a priority due to the severity of the allegations and their impact on public health.
“We will address the issue in two components: one is public health, because of the chickens said to have been produced with antiretrovirals, and the second is the diversion of medications in the health sector,” Ussene Isse stated in Parliament. He stressed that both aspects require firm action to halt practices that put public well-being at risk.
In the same statement, Ussene Isse confirmed that the government has already initiated internal procedures to verify the truth of the reports and identify any responsible parties. According to the minister, the improper use of medications undermines the health system and weakens citizens’ trust in public services.
The minister also recalled that the shortage of medicines in several health units results partly from post-election demonstrations last year through early this year, which led to the destruction of drug warehouses and other medical materials. Ussene Isse stated that the country is still recovering from that destruction and called on citizens for understanding regarding the pace of material replenishment. “Problems of theft and diversion of medicines still persist in our country, and we ask for your cooperation, because this is one of our greatest weaknesses,” Ussene Isse urged the deputies. “But we can only reduce it with your support, because you are representatives of the people. Do you want the best for the people? Help with solutions,” he added.
The government had previously acknowledged facing a “substantially more adverse” financial scenario than projected in the 2026 budget proposal, lowering the growth projection to 1.6% this year and adjusting revenue expectations for the next. This economic pressure, the government admitted, intensifies existing challenges in the health sector.
Source: Lusa
