Global Fund tells Malawi to raise K3.8bn for ARVs

The Global Fund – an international financing institution based in Geneva, Switzerland with mandate to mobilise national and international resources to support countries to fight against HIV and Aids, TB, malaria – has asked Malawi to raise $8.5 million (about K3.8 billion) locally for buying life-prolonging antiretroviral (ARVs) therapy.

A report in The Nation says a five-member Global Fund delegation visiting Malawi headed by Cynthia Mwase, African and Middle East head of department, announced these developments on Friday in Lilongwe after meeting Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe, Minister of Health Jean Kalilani and civil society organisations (CSO) leaders.

The country has been asked to the raise the money as a contribution to the final six months covered by its grant, the paper reported.

Kalilani has said the Malawi Government “will source the money through other means”.

The Global Fund delegation also met First Lady Gertrude Mutharika whose Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust irregularly benefitted from the Global Fund money during its launch last year, prompting CSOs to demand a refund of the money to the National Aids Commission (NAC).

The fund has also set as a condition for Malawi to access its grant a refund of $3.3 million (about K1.4 billion) the Malawi Government abused in the previous budget.

It has ordered refund of K1.4bn abused fund.

The Global Fund, which was one of NAC’s major financiers, rechannelled all funds to the Ministry of Health, Action Aid and World Vision after being displeased with accountability issues.