GENEVA, 18 June 2010 –UNAIDS welcomes the announcement of the first round priorities for new Global Health Initiative (GHI) of the United States Government. This six-year US$ 63 billion initiative seeks to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems to deliver comprehensive life saving health programmes including HIV services especially for women, babies and children in over 80 countries.
“By strengthening health systems and integrating HIV services, quality care can be provided to people living with HIV,” said Mr Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “The Global Health Initiative must continue to support the global promise made to millions of people for providing HIV treatment and support. UNAIDS looks forward to working closely with the governance structure of this Initiative to promote country ownership in realizing the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.”
Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nepal and Rwanda have been selected as the first set of partner countries to receive GHI resources to build on their existing health programmes and in alignment with their national priorities. There will be robust monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability and enhance learning by identifying obstacles and rapidly making improvements.
