Islamabad, Federal Secretary of Health Iftikhar Shallwani recently met with Global Fund officials, led by Ms. Izaskun Gaviria, Fund Portfolio Manager. The meeting, primarily focused on health sector achievements in Pakistan, was marked by positive discussions and commendations from the Global Fund.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting commenced with the announcement of a newly approved USD 285 million budget for addressing three major diseases, a grant approved by the Grant Approval Committee (GAC). Mr. Shallwani highlighted the progress made by Pakistan in meeting essential conditions, advocating for the immediate revocation of the Additional Safeguard Policy. The response from the Global Fund’s Portfolio Manager was affirmative, acknowledging that the policy may not hold significant value in portfolio optimization.

Ms. Gaviria praised the performance of the national and provincial health programs, emphasizing the outstanding work done at healthcare facilities. She particularly congratulated the Common Management Unit (CMU) for transferring the Principal Recipient-ship from the UNDP for the treatment component, effective from July 1, 2024. Additionally, she mentioned the impending completion of the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS), whose results will guide future planning and target-setting.

The meeting also highlighted the government’s role as the custodian for disease control, with Mr. Shallwani urging for enhanced coordination with UN partners for effective implementation strategies. Ms. Gaviria acknowledged the Secretary’s efforts in facilitating the clearance of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) from the port and lauded Pakistan’s achievement as the first country to complete the installation of Oxygen Plants in various Tertiary Care Hospitals post-COVID pandemic, setting a global precedent.