HIV Patients in Zemio, Central African Republic, Face Critical Shortages of Medication and Care
Published March 15, 2026
A prolonged armed conflict in the Zemio region of the Central African Republic has created a dire healthcare crisis, leaving HIV patients without consistent access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and adequate medical personnel. The situation is particularly critical for those displaced by the fighting, who now face additional challenges in maintaining their treatment regimens.
Since 2017, ongoing instability has forced thousands of residents to seek refuge in Zapay, Democratic Republic of Congo. Among these refugees are individuals reliant on ART to manage their HIV, and consistent, uninterrupted access to medication is vital for their survival. The resumption of clashes in May 2024, originating in Koumboli, between the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), police, Russian Wagner forces, and the AAKG militias, has made returning to healthcare facilities nearly impossible for most.
The healthcare system within Zemio itself is too severely strained. Remaining medical staff at the Zemio secondary hospital are experiencing the psychological toll of the conflict, impacting their ability to provide care. Staff at the appointment bureau have endured traumatic experiences that have compromised their capacity to function effectively.
Compounding these challenges, the assistant responsible for dispensing medications was recently reassigned without consultation or a proper handover of duties. This decision raises serious concerns about the continuity of service, as the position had been managed by a single individual. Experts emphasize that dispensing ART requires at least one or two trained healthcare workers, particularly in a volatile environment.
The abrupt departure of a key staff member without a replacement or transfer of responsibilities creates a dangerous gap in care. In a setting where even a single day without treatment can have irreversible consequences for patients, administrative decisions must be carefully considered with a thorough understanding of the realities on the ground.
Tensions among healthcare workers are a predictable consequence of the challenging conditions and inadequate organizational support. The situation underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being of medical personnel to ensure quality care. Violence, in any form, is detrimental to effective healthcare delivery.
By Éric Nzapa
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