ISLAMABAD: The Federal Health Secretary Dr Iftikhar Ali Shalwani hopes that with the support of ‘The Global Fund’ (TGF), Pakistan will control and prevent HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.

During the 50th board meeting of the Eastern Meditation Region Constituency (EMRC) at Geneva Headquarters, Mr Shalwani remarked, “This collaboration with TGF marks a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to tackle global health issues.

Together, we aim to strengthen health systems, improve access to essential services, and combat the spread of infectious diseases”.

As per a statement, TGF is a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, TB, and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all. It guides how the partnership can accelerate progress towards being free of the burden of AIDS, TB, and malaria with better, more equitable health for all. Dr Shalwani also participated in the pre-board EMRC meeting and met with Dr Mohamed Chakroun and other board members from EMRC and other countries. They discussed the current situation of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMRO) and the challenges faced by the region in implementing the TGF grants. He also had bilateral meetings with senior officials of the TGF.

The secretary of health expressed his gratitude to the TGF team for approving the three grants for TB, malaria, and HIV worth USD 281.5 million and 5 million as catalytic funding for the next three years, 2024–2026, respectively.—Staff Reporter