By Ahmed Mohammed
Ethiopia has recommitted to fight Tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and malaria, signing a 1$ bl deal yesterday with the Global Fund and Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).
The latest move would scale up Ethiopia’s efforts provide quality medical services across the nation, said health minister Dr. Mekdes Daba
The Minister further noted that the funding will significantly enhance ongoing efforts in preventing the diseases by ‘’providing quality treatment and care, and improving overall health service accessibility.’’
The health minister stressed the potential of the move to introduce community-based and innovative approaches, citing the success of the existing health extension program and the promise of digital health.
She further expounded that Ethiopia has shown remarkable progress in tackling challenges like conflict, drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister also cited the significant reduction in TB prevalence, averaging an 8-9 percent decline annually, and a documented significant decrease in malaria transmission.
As per the grant agreement Global Fund will provide 440 million and 400 thousand USD grant to Ethiopia for the fight against Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and AIDS, and malaria, Dr. Mekdes said.
The government has also committed to co-finance the program by allocating and obligating a total of 451 million USD for the three-year agreement, ENA quoted the health ministry as saying.
Global Fund High Impact Africa II Department Head, Linden Morrison said the signing of this grant is timely and critical in many respects.
The global health community is facing challenges, including the consequences of climate change and the need to build resilient health systems to achieve the SDGs by 2030, but amid challenges Ethiopia has accomplished outstanding achievements over the past two years and this is an important experience, according to the head.//