Zimbabwe President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is attending
the 6th Replenishment Conference organised by the Global Fund Forum in Lyon,
France, has appealed for support and sought partnerships to strengthen primary
health care in the country.
The President during his speech at the conference, which is
seeking to raise US$14 billion to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria expressed
his gratitude towards the Global 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 has been disbursed,” said the
President.
“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
health care, build and retain a competent health workforce to achieve Universal
Health Coverage. Equally, early detection and surveillance systems of the three
diseases remain paramount. 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,” said President Mnangagwa.
Over 710 000 people are currently supported by Global Fund
in Zimbabwe out of a total of 1.2 million people on Anti-Retro Viral Therapy.
Government made a US$1 million contribution at the
conference as the country strives towards ending AIDS by 2030.
“We remain committed to continue to contribute to this
worthy effort, and hereby pledge US$1 million.”
French President Emmanuel Macron who is hosting the
conference pointed the finger at several countries for not pledging enough
funds for the fight against the three diseases.
In his speech, President Macron called specifically on
Japan, Norway, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to
“make more of an effort” in increasing their contributions for the fight.
The Global Fund Forum aims to save 16 million lives within
the next four years as well as averting 234 million infections worldwide.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by the acting Foreign
Affairs Minister, Professor Amon Murwira and other senior government officials
at the conference. zbc
0 comments:
Post a Comment