— in fight against HIV epidemic, tuberculosis and malaria, Henry says

GUYANA is indeed thankful for the contributions being made by Global Fund in the fight against the HIV epidemic, tuberculosis and malaria, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, said as she opened the Guyana Global Fund HIV-Country Dialogue on Thursday at Regency Suites.

At the time, she was speaking not only in the capacity of a minister, but also as the Chair of the Guyana Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).
“The Government of Guyana is very appreciative of the assurance by the Global Fund Board for continued funding to help us fight against the HIV epidemic, TB and malaria,” the minister said, noting that the support being offered helps to build resilient and sustainable health systems that offer quality healthcare services for the Guyanese people.
“Without a fully funded Global Fund, the shared dream of universal access to HIV treatment, care and support could become our worst nightmare, putting the lives of millions of people currently on treatment in jeopardy, and millions of pregnant women in a position not to be able to protect their babies from becoming infected,” she added.
In recent years, Guyana has made significant progress in combating the three targeted diseases, and with billions of dollars pumped into the health-care system, it is beginning to see positive changes such as the reduction in child mortality.
In fact, Global Fund grants have made a significant contribution in reducing the causes of mortality among women and children across the world. The fund operates in partnership with Governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the targeted diseases.
“I trust that the HIV/AIDS Country Dialogue will continue to build upon the existing coordination mechanisms in health and development that are already taking place between Governments, donors, technical partners, civil society and key populations.
“We recognise that Global Fund does not just talk about the importance of key and vulnerable populations, but also concretely demonstrates its commitment to these groups through a comprehensive package of strategies, policies and processes,” Minister Henry stated.

With continued support, she emphasised that Guyana would be able to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals of ending the HIV epidemic, TB and malaria by 2030.
“Guyana has come a far way in dealing with the HIV epidemic, TB and malaria over the past decade. With support from our partners and stakeholders, many lives have been saved and transformed. I trust that this support will continue.”
As part of the Country Dialogue, key stakeholders, including the Programme Manager of the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Rhonda Moore; Head of the National Tuberculosis Programme, Dr Jeetendra Mohandlall; and Head of the Vector Control Unit, Dr Horace Cox were updated on the new funding model being used by the Global Fund.
Dr Morris Edwards, who was among the other health professionals in attendance, explained that the new Funding Cycle 2017-2019 include new approaches to co-financing, new catalytic investments such as matching funds, and a differentiated and system-supported application and review process.
Edwards noted that ‘grant end-date revisions’ to the existing implementation period will be deducted from the next allocation in funds and time.
“Unused funds at the original grant-end date will be used for portfolio optimisation investments and to top-up grants with high absorption levels and good performance. In order to avoid this, countries can still make programme revisions to their grants up to 14 months before the end-date of grant implementation to improve absorption levels,” he explained.
Ongoing Country Dialogue during grant implementation will ensure the Principal Recipient (PR) is supported in a successful implementation of the grant, Coordinator of the CCM, Maria Niles, explained.
“CCM continues to meet all minimum requirements including participation and in the implementation of oversight plans. The PR and members of the CCM are involved in programme reviews and ongoing discussions to improve the national disease strategies,” Niles pointed out.