UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya is committed to supporting the Global Fund and implementing the agreed targets aimed at combating HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, President William Ruto has said.
While addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in his first maiden speech, the President rallied other African States to work together to fight the three diseases through mobilization of much-needed resources.
“For decades, Africa has borne the brunt of three epidemics: the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. I applaud innovative partnerships like the Global Fund for their progress in addressing the three menaces, and also welcome the ambitious targets set for the 7th replenishment cycle,” said President Ruto.
“Kenya is committed to supporting the Global Fund and implementing the agreed targets in order to actualize our pledge at the replenishment conference,” he added.
He called upon all countries implementing the Global Fund programs, especially African countries to remain at the forefront in championing for successful replenishment of the fund.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged governments and other stakeholders including the private sector to raise their financial contributions to the Global Fund during the kitty’s seventh replenishment cycle.
Early this year, Kenya sought to increase contributions to the Global Fund and broadening the entity’s partnerships to assist in raising adequate resources needed to boost the global fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.
In partnership with the Government of Kenya, programs supported by the Global Fund have provided 440,000 people with antiretroviral therapy for HIV, treated 212,000 people for tuberculosis, and distributed 14.7 million insecticide-treated nets to protect families from malaria.
Global Fund-supported programs have saved 20 million lives in more than 100 countries where the burden of disease is greatest.
From 2002 to date, Global Fund has disbursed over US$1.4 billion in grants to Kenya’s health sector.
