Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:51:04 +0000
By SIMON MUNTEMBA
THE Global Fund has given Zambia a US$270 million grant for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria control, for the period 2018-2020.
The event was graced by the Minister of Finance, Mr Felix Mutati, Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Global Fund head of Grant management- Mark Eddington, UN Country Coordinator Janet Rogan.
Mr Mutati signed for Government while Dr Eddington signed for the international financing organisation, which aims to attract and disburse additional resources to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria.
Mr Mutati, made commitments to increase financial support to the health sector, remittance to the Global Fund and prudent management of resources.Speaking during the confirmation signing ceremony in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mutati said the funding will be implemented by the ministries of Health for the next three years.
Mr Mutati disclosed that the funding will cover a three-year period beginning this year, adding that Government will use the funds wisely for the benefits of Zambia.
He said since the inception of cooperation with the Global Fund in 2002, Zambia has been privileged to have received millions of US dollars.
“These funds and technical assistance together with those from other cooperating partners have supported Zambia’s fight against three diseases namely HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,” he said.
Dr Eddington said he is happy that Zambia is following the laid down procedures by the Global Fund.
Dr Eddington said Global fund will continue to support the Zambian government financial to tackle the issue of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria control.
He appealed to the government to use the funds for the intended purposes adding that there was need to work together if Zambia was to control the diseases.
