Fight against debilitating health conditions caused by HIV/AIDS, Tuberculoses and malaria, got a boost of USD 933 million courtesy of the Grant Cycle 7, GC7, a funding scheme by the Global Fund, GF, to Fight the three diseases, it has been learnt.
This much was disclosed by coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, when he officially launched the GC7 for the period 2024-2026.
The funding is an upgrade from the previous cycle which was pegged at USD 903 million that ended in 2023.
GC7 is funded by GF, an initiative sponsored by the United State government, with funding from the Caritas, Catholic Relief Services and the United Methodist Church.
The nation’s health minister said that the funding objective aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
The allocated resources of USD 933 million aim to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Nigeria.
During the launch, Dr. Pate emphasized President Tinubu’s directive for collaborative efforts between the Federal Government, state governments, and development partners to enhance health outcomes for Nigerians.
The Global Fund grant was handed over to recipients, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Institute for Human Virology Nigeria, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services, and others.
“To achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2025 for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the Federal Government is dedicated to improving health through governance, transparency, primary healthcare, maternal and child health, infrastructure, and health security,” said Dr. Pate.
He urged the Global Fund and principal recipients to support local manufacturers and build trust among key players. Dr. Pate also emphasized the need for diligence in fund utilization by states to aid the most vulnerable populations, ensuring transparency in resource utilization and citizens’ involvement in monitoring.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted how the funds would strengthen the health system for pandemic preparedness, aligning with President Tinubu’s agenda to provide quality health services without financial hardship.
The Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Hon. Amobi Ogah, assured rigorous oversight to ensure accountability for every allocated fund.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom highlighted the increased grants in Cycle 7 to address critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations, and adolescents, aiming to harness Nigeria’s human capital by ensuring improved access to quality health services.