Pate launches the implementation of GC7, assures judicious use of resources

The Coordinating Minister of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, has launched the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) 2024-2026 implementation period in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Speaking at the official launch of Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria recently held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, the Minister stated that the allocated resources of USD 933million to Nigeria for the 2024-2026 implementation period will help mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In a statement by Patricia Deworitshe, Director of Information on Wednesday 24th January, Pate said that “in approving the sector wide programme, the president essentially directed that the health outcomes of Nigerians should be better than what it is and that we should all collaborate, Federal Government with state government along side development partners,” assuring that the resources donated would be used judiciously.

He presented the Global Fund grant to recipients which includes:

National Agency for the Control of AIDS, $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS)

National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)-FMOH, $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS)

National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis)

Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant),

National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria),

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria). National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme- FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH) Lagos State Ministry of Health, 4,100,440.00 (RSSH).

According to Pate, the expected results which all the principal recipients are committing to, is to achieve the 95 95, 95 by 2025, notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

He noted the commitment of the Federal Government in advancing improvement in the health of the population along the four pillars which are evidenced in governance, promoting transparency and accountability, focusing on the population health outcomes, fixing the primary health care system, improving maternal and child health through which we will reduce mother to child transmission, fixing infrastructure, unlocking the healthcare value chain and health security, in terms of laboratory infrastructure, building the public health workforce, the surveillance systems and dealing with infectious disease.

He urged the Global Fund and the principal recipients to patronize local manufacturers in order to unlock the value chain stating that there should be trust amongst the key players while States should be diligent in the use of funds meant to help the poorest of vulnerable population of the country.

Appreciating the efforts of Global Funds, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria and other development partners, he mentioned that strategies are in place to enable citizens to see the humongous resources that are coming into Nigeria, and what they are being used for and whether they’re responding to their needs, and to bring up any issues that stand in the way of execution”.

According to the Minister of State, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the resources will facilitate the strengthening of our health system in preparedness for any future pandemics. Good health is core to harnessing Nigeria’s greatest asset, its human capital, as documented in Mr. President’s agenda, this is at the heart of our relentless efforts to ensure that all Nigerians are on path to have access to improved quality health services and without financial hardship, he adduced.

The significantly increased allocation of federal government’s budget to health and social sectors in the proposed 2024 appropriation, demonstrates unprecedented political will, and certainly go a long way in starting to address the financial gaps that have so far limited Nigeria from achieving an efficient, equitable and quality health system.

Chairman House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Hon. Amobi Ogah in his goodwill message assured of the Committees resolve to oversight every fund that has been budgeted for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the country to ensure that every kobo spent is accounted for.

Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom mni said the increase in the HIV, TB and malaria grants in Cycle 7, will further address the critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations and adolescents