People with HIV struggle to get medication under lockdown

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

Harare: People living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe are having difficulties accessing their medication as the government imposed a 21-day lockdown against COVID-19.

Daniso Phiri and her husband, who is HIV positive, said one of their biggest challenges is transportation.

"It's difficult because there is no transport to go and collect our medication," Phiri said at her home in Harare.

Phiri and her husband are some of the many with compromised immune systems living in fear as they are more vulnerable to the coronavirus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia and could lead to death.

(With inputs from AP)