By Scoop Reporter
Zambia will receive US$390 million towards the fight against HIV/AIDS, says Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Lackson Kasonka.
Prof Kasonka said that includes money which the U.S. government will give to implementing partners, ARVs, HIV test kits, viral load testing among others.
The United States of America through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has reaffirmed its commitment towards accelerating Zambia’s goal to achieve eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Prof. Kasonka was speaking on the side-lines of the Country Operational Plan (COP23) Co-Planning Meeting that focused on reviewing the new PEPFAR strategic vision and engaging in meaningful constructive dialogue.
He says COP23 planning meeting focuses on the commitments, and plans for each country and what they will do.
Prof Kasonka further said the US Government has reduced the overall PEPFAR funding to Zambia to fight HIV and other related programs by 3% for the year 2023 and 5% for the year 2024.
He has however urged Zambians not to panic on the reduction in funding as the government has prioritized the health sector by increasing funding towards the overall health budget including HIV medicines and supplies.
Prof. Kasonka also says the COP23 planning meeting will look at the plans that have been put in place, to reflect and consider sustainability programs for the future, in the event that the support towards funding and resources reduces.
He said PEPFAR works closely with the Government to strengthen the health system at national, provincial, district, and community levels.
