Farmers feed HIV drugs to chickens for growth

An investigation uncovered poultry farmers in Zimbabwe buying antiretroviral drugs intended for HIV patients on the black market. The farmers mix the ARVs into chicken feed to reduce bird deaths and accelerate growth. The practice diverts essential medicines from patients while introducing unapproved substances into the food supply. Farmers believe the drugs protect stock from diseases and act as growth stimulants. The exposure reveals a profit-driven misuse of public health resources that endangers both human treatment programmes and food safety.