By Politico staff writer
As part of its new grant cycle to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Head of Grant Management Division at Global Fund, Mark Eldon-Edington, and his team from Geneva have officially presented a cheque of $136,244,674 (one hundred and thirty six million, two hundred and forty four thousand, six hundred and seventy four thousand United States Dollars) to President Julius Maada Bio to strengthen the health care system in the country.
The launching ceremony of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 is a pivotal step in combating the three diseases and a demonstration of dedication and collaboration between the government of Sierra Leone and its partner, the Global Fund.
The Head of the Grant Management Division expressed appreciation for the strong commitment of the government and people of Sierra Leone in addressing the many challenges in the health sector, especially in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. He acknowledged the gains made, particularly in the reduction in malaria cases and the available data on the status of persons living with HIV in the country.
In his statement, President Julius Maada Bio expressed profound gratitude to the Global Fund and reminded the audience that, since he became President in 2018, his government had pioneered the advancement of the country’s human capital development across key pillars: education, health, agriculture, and social protection.
He said his government's commitment to increase access to health care specifically was informed by a firm belief that “good health” is the great equalizer that allows citizens to be more productive for longer periods and also allowed them to pursue gainful economic activities.
“We have not been alone in this journey to improve health outcomes; we have a multitude of donors and technical partners. Among our most steadfast allies is the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Together, we have intensified our efforts to strengthen the health systems of our nation. “Today, we gather on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, particularly beneficiaries of this grant, to receive additional funds from the Global Fund for the upcoming Grant Cycle 7, which will start on July 1, 2024, and end on June 30, 2027.
The President also announced $6.7 million (six million, seven hundred thousand Dollars) in counterpart funding from the government as part of his government’s commitment to improving human capital development within the Big Five Game Changers. He said that this substantial commitment increases the government’s contribution by 43% from the previous cycle, in which they met their full obligation.
Global Fund is an international financing and partnership organization that aims to support attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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