by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Global Fund has rescued Papua New Guinea once again with funds to address health issues in the country.
Funding, in excess of US$50 million, will address the three year strategies for malaria and tuberculosis, and strengthen the health system from 2015 to 2017.
Three new grant agreements signed today are a Performance Framework to strengthen the health system, malaria and tuberculosis. It will be implemented by Rotarians Against Malaria, Population Services International (for malaria) and World Vision (for TB).
Global Fund Executive Director Dr Mark Dybul said it’s a solidarity approach to support and build a healthier life for Papua New Guineans.
The sustainability of these programs is critical with the National and Provincial Government core support.
PNG Country Coordinating Mechanism for Global Fund Chairperson, Lady Roslyn Morauta said these funds will support and further reduce incidence of malaria, and acceleration of the TB campaign that has become a very serious public health issues in Papua New Guinea.
Two malaria grants worth US$32 million will fund the distribution of 2.8 million mosquito nets and training of community health workers.
It will support quick malaria diagnosis, strengthen monitoring and improve access to care for Papua New Guinea’s most disadvantaged communities.
The other US$18 million aims to reduce the incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis. It will improve clinical staff recruitment and retention, strengthen systems to enable access to quality drugs and laboratory diagnostics for HIV, TB and malaria and help build a stronger health system.
National Health Minister Michael Malabag thanked the PNG Country Coordinating Mechanism for Global Fund and the responsible department for supporting Papua New Guinea’s disease strategies and programs.
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