In a significant move aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, has officially launched the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), for the period 2024-2026.
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In a statement by the Director Information, FMoH, Patricia Deworitshe, in Abuja the minister said the allocated resources of USD 933 million aim to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch,Dr. Pate emphasized on President Tinubu’s directive for collaborative efforts between the Federal Government, state governments, and development partners to enhance health outcomes for Nigerians.
Dr. Pate handed over the Global Fund grant to recipients, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Institute for Human Virology Nigeria, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services, and others, totaling USD 933 million.
“To achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2025 for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the Federal Government’s is dedicated to improving health through governance, transparency, primary healthcare, maternal and child health, infrastructure, and health security.
“I urged the Global Fund and principal recipients to support local manufacturers and trust among key players,” he added.
Dr. Pate also called for diligence in fund utilization by states to aid the most vulnerable populations.
“Strategies are in place to ensure transparency in resource utilization and citizens’ involvement in monitoring,” he said.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa expressed how the funds would strengthen the health system for pandemic preparedness, aligning with President Tinubu’s agenda to provide quality health services without financial hardship.
“In a bid to address financial gaps, the proposed 2024 budget showcases an unprecedented increase in the allocation to health and social sectors, demonstrating political will,” he said.
The Chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Hon. Amobi Ogah, assured rigorous oversight to ensure accountability for every allocated fund.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom highlighted the increased grants in Cycle 7 to address critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations, and adolescents.
“The Ministry aims to harness Nigeria’s human capital by ensuring improved access to quality health services,” she said.
