The Global Fund has promised to commit $700m over the next three years to combat communicable diseases in Uganda.
Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, told President Museveni at State House-Entebbe on Thursday that the international organisation’s partnership with Uganda’s Health Ministry “aims to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria epidemics” and shall “continue to support the government’s efforts in preventing the spread of these diseases.”
The Global Fund is an international organisation created in 2002 as an innovative financing mechanism seeking to rapidly raise and disburse funding for programs that reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in low- and middle-income countries.
“With a cumulative investment of $2.9 billion and a forthcoming $700 million investment over the next three years, the Fund focuses on combating prevalent diseases and addressing unique challenges such as mosquito resistance and HIV/AIDS prevention,” Sands informed the President.
The development will calm fears that Global Fund has been planning to withhold funding for supporting patients of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and and malaria in Uganda amid the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Law.
Sands recently warned that the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 would obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat.
“The stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services,” said Sands, adding, “trust, confidentiality, and stigma-free engagement are essential for anyone seeking health care.”
Key areas
Adding to the President’s submission, the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng outlined the four key areas for potential procurement, including Antiretroviral Drugs for HIV treatment, rapid diagnostic tests for malaria and HIV, long-lasting insecticidal nets and medical gloves.
President Museveni also reassured the Global Fund of Uganda’s commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, stressing the need for prevention alongside treatment efforts.
“For the last 30 years, we have spread our HIV prevention message, and people have heard it. Today, the prevalence rates have significantly reduced, and those living with HIV are adhering to their ARVs. However, they should be aware of the physical exhaustion that comes with taking the drugs and take good care of themselves,” the President advised.
Local pharmaceuticals
During the meeting, President Museveni appealed to the Global Fund to consider purchasing drugs, vaccinations, and other essential medical supplies from Uganda’s local manufacturers to enhance the country’s knowledge economy.