Staff Writer
Zimbabwe has paid its dues to the Global Fund in line with its obligations of US$1 million to Global Fund thereby meeting obligations for Zimbabwe to unlock more funding.
The Global Fund was created in 2002 and is a partnership designed to speed up the end of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis (TB) as well as Malaria as epidemics in low and middle-income countries. As an international organisation, the Global Fund mobilises and invests over US$4 billion a year in support of programmes run by local experts in more than 100 countries.
President Mnangagwa pledged Zimbabwe’s commitment towards the fund during the Sixth Replenishment Conference organised by the Global Fund Forum in Lyon, France, which seeks to raise US$14 billion to fight Human Immuno Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The Head of State and Government expressed gratitude to the fund for approving close to US$2 billion for Zimbabwe to fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
“Since 2002, the Global Fund has approved nearly US$1, 7 billion to Zimbabwe, of which over US$1, 3 billion has been disbursed. Let me express my profound gratitude for this invaluable support. As we build strong institutions, infrastructure and integrated services, we appeal for support and seek partnerships to strengthen primary healthcare, build and retain a competent health workforce to achieve Universal Health Coverage,” said His Excellency.
President Mnangagwa said early detection and surveillance systems of the three diseases remained of great importance.
“Over and above the National AIDS Trust Fund (NATF), my Government is developing a robust National Health Insurance Scheme and stepping up innovative domestic funding initiatives such as the traditional AIDS levy and the new Health Levy, to enable us to focus on the sustainability of our response,” he said.
He revealed that, over 710 000 people are now supported by Global Fund in Zimbabwe out of a total of 1,2 million people on Anti-Retro Viral Therapy and this year the Government has made a US$1 million contribution at the conference as the country strives towards ending AIDS by 2030.
He said, “We remain committed to continue to contribute to this worthy effort, and hereby pledge US$1 million.”
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube praised the President Mnangagwa’s commitment towards the Global Fund. He posted on his Twitter handle, “His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa giving his speech at the Global Fund replenishment event in Lyon, France. He acknowledged the critical role of the Global Fund in Zimbabwe’s flight against HIV, TB and Malaria. He pledged US$1 million towards the Global Fund.”
The appearance of the President in Lyon and the commitment of the million was however met with more criticism amongst Zimbabweans online. Below are a few responses from citizens.
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