Budget of USD 285 million for three diseases approved from GAC and CMU

Islamabad - 18 January 2024 (Connect Pakistan) : Federal Secretary Health Iftikhar Shallwani Meets Fund Portfolio Manager of Global Fund- Performance of National and Provincial Teams commended by Global Fund Official. Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Secretary Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination had a meeting with Global fund team led by Ms. Izaskun Gaviria, Fund Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund. The meeting started with the positive news that budget of USD 285 million for three diseases recently approved from Grant Approval Committee (GAC) and the CMU is in the process of sharing it with the provinces. Mr. Shallwani pointed out that the Additional Safeguard Policy should be immediately revoked as country met all the conditions essential. In response from Fund Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund, agreed that ASP will not have much value in portfolio optimization. There is a special committee on portfolio performance and cooperate working group to devise Exit strategy for Pakistan. Ms. Izaskun Gaviria, Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund, commended the performance of the National and Provincial programs, highlighting the remarkable work at healthcare facilities. She congratulated the CMU for reverting the PR-ship from UNDP for the treatment component for the Common Management Unit (NACP), effective from July 1, 2024. Ms. Gaviria mentioned that the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) would be completed soon, with results guiding future planning and target-setting. UNDP will support CMU in transition period through close collaboration. Emphasizing the importance of government ownership, particularly for HIV, Mr. Shallwani emphasized that the government is ultimate custodian for disease control. He urged UN partners, specifically UNDP, to enhance coordination with CMU for effective implementation strategies. The Portfolio Manager applauded the Secretary MoNHSR&C for stewardship by the Government towards clearing of shipment of LLINs from port recently. Furthermore, Ms. Gaviria congratulated Pakistan as the first country around the world to complete the process of Oxygen Plants installation at various Tertiary Care Hospitals after the COVID pandemic, setting an exemplary precedent.