Government of Rwanda and Global Fund sign Frw 138 billion grant agreement

{The Government of Rwanda and the Global Fund yesterday signed a two year US$ 204 million (approximately Frw 138 billion) grant that will support the National Strategic Plan (2013-2018).}

The grant is part of a result-based funding mechanism approach which will finance two of the five year National strategic Plan. National Strategic Plan is a five year strategy which will guide programming and implementation of HIV related interventions and activities in the period of 2013 – 18.

According to the agreement, the funds will be channelled through sector budget support based on HIV national strategic plan cash needs.

The National strategic plan is aligned with the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2), Vision 2020 and takes into account of last strategy achievements.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Claver Gatete noted that Global Fund has been a good development partner and has supported various health projects, including Malaria and Tuberculosis.

“Without a healthy population we cannot go anywhere. We realize that there has to be sustainability. We will ensure accountability not only for further funding but also to sustain the gains made,” Minister Gatete said.

Minister of Health Agnes Binagwaho lauded the results based funding approach noting that it is a result of Rwanda’s proven track record of success in health programs and financial management.

“This funding will sustain the universal access to treatment and care, reduce new infections by two-thirds, and halve the number of HIV/Aids related deaths in the next five years,” Minister Binagwaho underscored.

Global Fund executive director, Mark Dybul acknowledged Rwanda’s record in effective use of resources noting that the country was a role model in the world for what can be done best.

“This grant model is only applicable in high performing countries with robust and reliable national systems, Rwanda definitely fits the bill,” Dybul said.

Besides the grant signing, the event also marked 10 year partnership between the Rwandan Government and Global Fund which has seen the latter cumulatively grant Rwanda close to $ 900 million.