By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate has launched the $933 million Global Fund, Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) 2024 – 2026 in Abuja.
Prof. Pate at the official launch yesterday said that the allocated $933 million Global Fund to Nigeria is to help mitigate HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the within the period of 2024- 2026.
The minister who gave assurance that the resources will be put into judicious use stated the implementation period is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
Pate said, “In approving the sector’s wide programme, the president essentially directed that the health outcomes of Nigerians should be better than what it is and that we should all collaborate, the Federal Government, State governments alongside development partners.”
The ministry further presented the Global Fund grant to recipients which includes the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS)
National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)-FMOH,
$30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS)
National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis).
The Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant),
National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria).
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria).
National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme- FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH)
Lagos State Ministry of Health, 4,100,440.00 (RSSH).
According to Pate, the expected results which all the principal recipients are committing to, is to achieve the 95 95, 95 by 2025, notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
He noted that the commitment of the Federal Government to advancing improvement in the health of the population along the four pillars which are evidenced in governance, promoting transparency and accountability.
These he explained would be
focusing on the population health outcomes, fixing the primary health care system, improving maternal and child health to reduce mother to child transmission, adding that fixing infrastructure, unlocking the healthcare value chain and health security, via laboratory infrastructure, building the public health workforce, the surveillance systems and dealing with infectious diseases.
Furthermore, the minister has urged the Global Fund and the principal recipients to patronize local manufacturers in order to unlock the value chain stating that this would create trust amongst the key players.
He also urged States to be diligent in the use of funds which is meant to help the poorest of vulnerable population of the country.
The Minister of State, Tunji Alausa on his part said that the resources will facilitate the strengthening of the nation’s health system in preparedness for any future pandemics.
“Good health is core to harnessing Nigeria’s greatest asset, its human capital, as documented in Mr. President’s agenda, this is at the heart of our relentless efforts to ensure that all Nigerians are on path to have access to improved quality health services and without financial hardship.”
The significantly increased allocation of federal government’s budget to health and social sectors in the proposed 2024 appropriation, demonstrates unprecedented political will, and certainly goes a long way in addressing the financial gaps that have overtime limited Nigeria from achieving an efficient, equitable and quality health system.
Chairman House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Hon. Amobi Ogah in his goodwill message assured of the Committees resolve to oversight every fund that has been budgeted for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the country to ensure that every kobo spent is accounted for.
Again, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom noted that the increase in HIV, TB and malaria grants in Cycle 7, will further address the critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations and adolescents.
