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The Global Fund has disbursed US$10 million for tuberculosis programmes in Zimbabwe. The amount is almost thrice what it had committed.In a letter written to the UNDP, Zimbabwe’s recipient for Global Funds, the Global Fund said the disbursement is the actual need for Zimbabwe’s TB programmes.
Initially, Global Fund had committed itself to releasing US$2,8 million and had already disbursed US$1,4 million of that amount.
However, the latest developments have seen the organisation releasing US$9,9 million bringing the total disbursements for TB programmes to US$11,5 million.
“The increase of funds has been approved to fund the additional requirements included in the interim application budget for 2013 (US$2,772,108),” wrote the senior fund portfolio manager for Africa, Mr Perry Mwangala.
Mr Mwangala said the disbursement included costs for a six-month buffer supply of tuberculosis drugs. Zimbabwe’s country coordinator Mr Rangarirai Chiteure confirmed the disbursement and said the country was excited about the latest development.
Mr Chiteure said the release of the funds would ensure enough supply of TB treatment for the next six months and beyond.
“The money will go a long way in strengthening the country’s control activities with the focus on increasing diagnosis and DOT (directly observed treatment).”
Online Reporter