Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has applauded the launch of the seventh Grant Implementation Cycle (GC7), a monumental stride for Nigeria’s Health Sector.
The minister commended the initiative in a statement on Wednesday.
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The Coordinating Minister for Health, Ali Pate, had launched the initiative on Tuesday.
Reacting to the launch, Dr. Alausa expressed excitement at the allocation of $933 million to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria in Nigeria over the next three years.
The minister, who noted that Nigeria has the highest burden of Malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS in Africa, said the grant will be integral in the country’s progress to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
He added that the funding will aid President Bola Tinubu’s 4-point strategic plan, to “save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain and produce health for all Nigerians”.
“Tuesday 23rd January 2024 marked a great day for the Nigerian Health Sector, as we launched the seventh Grant Implementation Cycle (GC7) approved by the @GlobalFund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria,” Dr. Alausa wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Global Fund allocated US $933,156,931 to tackle these 3 diseases and build resilient and sustainable systems for health (RSSH) over the next 3 years (2024-2026), in preparation for future pandemics.
“Nigeria has the highest burden of Malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alone, we contribute 27% of global malaria cases.
“With the addition of 120,000 retrained frontline workers and a focus on preventative measures, early diagnosis & testing services, treatment, human-related barriers and public private led community interventions, this grant will be integral in our progress to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
“In line with Mr President @OfficialBAT’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our 4-point strategic plan, to ‘save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain and produce health for all Nigerians’ the funding will also help to improve the population health outcomes we need to access affordable and quality health services for all Nigerians.
“I am confident that the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), its chairman @muhammedpate and its partners will meet their ambitious 95, 95, 95 goal. As well as ensure all funding received will be managed efficiently, transparently and accurately in guidance with the Sector-wide compact signed in December.”
Speaking at the launch of the initiative at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Minister Pate emphasized the judicious use of resources in line with Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
Noteworthy recipients of the Global Fund grant include the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, National Malaria Elimination Programme, and others, covering HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) initiatives.
With a commitment to achieving the 95-95-95 goal by 2025, Minister Pate outlined the four pillars driving health improvement: governance, transparency, population health outcomes, and fixing primary healthcare systems. He urged principal recipients to patronize local manufacturers, emphasizing trust among key players and the diligent use of funds at the state level.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Global Funds, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria, and development partners, he reassured citizens of strategies in place for transparent fund utilization.
The allocated resources aim to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, aligning with the President’s agenda to provide improved quality health services without financial hardship.
The increased budget allocation in the proposed 2024 appropriation for health and social sectors underscores unprecedented political will.
Hon. Amobi Ogah, Chairman House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, pledged rigorous oversight to ensure accountability for every kobo spent. Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom, welcomed the enhanced grants in Cycle 7, anticipating improved service coverage for vulnerable populations.
As the Director of Information in the Federal Ministry of Health, Patricia Deworitshe, affirms the transformative impact of these resources, Minister Alausa envisions a future where the New Health Initiative GC7 becomes a beacon of hope, ensuring robust and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians.
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