President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed gratitude to the Global Fund for its support to Malawi which has also helped to contain HIV and Aids, malaria and tuberculosis.
Speaking during the official opening of the 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting held at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe on Monday, the President said Malawi appreciates the work which Global Fund is doing.
He said courtesy of the partnership, Malawians have been able to access free medical services in public hospitals.
“The Global Fund has dedicated its funds to combating HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. This shows the significant role it has played in Malawi’s healthcare progress,” said Chakwera.
The President also said when the country, the Global Fund provided necessary assistance to affected people.
In her remarks, the Global Fund board chairperson Roslyn Morauta said there is a need for more efforts to defeat HIV and Aids, TB and malaria.
She said that despite countries facing various challenges such a s natural disasters, they have made significant progress in addressing critical health issues.
“We have to commit ourselves in the fight against HIV, TB and malaria so that we have a free generation,” said Morauta.
On his part, World Health Organization (WHO) Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Dr Jérôme Salomon highlighted the importance of building partnerships as funding becomes increasingly scarce due to global economic challenges.
“It is important for countries to be sharing stories in combating diseases, as it helps to build resilient communities,” he said.
At the meeting, the President toured pavilions, showcasing various impactful projects that have received support from the Global Fund.
The partnership between Malawi and Global Fund dates back to 2003. Over the years, Malawi has registered accelerated progress towards epidemic control in the fight against HIV and Aids largely due to support from donors and partners such as the Global Fund.
The country has attained the United Nations Aids agency targets of having 95 percent of the people with HIV knowing their status, getting treatment and having their viral load suppressed.
