Even with the new Global Fund money, "More financial, human and technical resources will be needed ..." Correct.
"Myanmar needs additional investment now to save lives." Particularly in prevention. Mostly for people who inject drugs. How many of them are there?
Jamie
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HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in line for funding boost
Myannar Times
Monday 17 June 2013
Myanmar could receive at least US$315 million from the Global Fund over the next three years to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria – but some experts say this is not enough.
In February, it was announced that Myanmar would be among the first countries to receive funding under a new system based on proposals made at a local level.
This system replaces one in which the proposals were drawn up by governments.
Myanmar’s proposal is backed by both the fund’s grant approvals committee and technical review panel, and grants are expected to direct $161 million to HIV programs, $82 million for TB and $72 million for malaria.
Despite this boost, there are concerns that the funding will prove insufficient.
“The current funds available for HIV are $33 million a year. While it is good news that we will be funded from 2013 until 2016, the challenge is that a gap of $28 million a year would not allow us to meet the needs and commitments of the program,” said UNAIDS country coordinator Eamonn Murphy.
MSF-Holland country director Peter Paul de Groote also expressed concern over gaps in funding to fight HIV/AIDS, particularly to reach 85 percent anti-retroviral treatment (ART) coverage by 2015.
“Myanmar needs additional investment now to save lives. At the moment, Myanmar is able to provide ART to 53,000 people. An estimated number of 125,000 people are in need of treatment. Without additional resources it will not be possible to provide services to more people this year or next. The programs are overstretched and much more financial, human and technical resources will be needed to establish new sites to reach more people,” Mr de Groote said.
The allocations under the Global Fund program are expected to be finalised in Sri Lanka on June 18 and 19.
http://mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/7149-global-fund-to-decide-on-aid-grants-this-week.html
