Global Fund grants $ 1.9 m for TB control

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Global Fund (The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria) offered a grant of US $ 1.9 million to the Sri Lankan government for use on TB control activities. Annually around 10,000 new TB cases are detected in Sri Lanka of which 8,000 are cured, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Addressing the gathering after signing the MoU for the grant, Minister Sirisena thanked Global Fund for assisting Sri Lanka since 2003.

He said the Global Fund's 29th Board Meeting is being held in Colombo with the participation of over 150 countries and Health Ministers from eight countries.

"The funds will be used to eliminate TB from Sri Lanka," he said. Minister Sirisena handed over a special message sent to Global Fund by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Global Fund Grant Management Division Head Mark Edington congratulated the Sri Lankan government for controlling Malaria and TB successfully.

He said Global Fund is happy to assist Sri Lanka in controlling TB, HIV and Malaria.

"Only 12 to 20 Malaria patients are reported from Sri Lanka," he said.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayatilleke said Sri Lanka has been linked with Global Fund since 2003.

Health Services Director General Dr Palitha Mahipala, Global Fund Chief Financial Officer Daniel Camus, Global Fund Legal and Compliance Department Head Gulen Newton and officials of the Health Ministry and Global Fund were present.