Buhari Warns Health Minister Against looting of $890million Health Grant To Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Global Fund’s $890million donation to Nigeria’s fight against HIV-AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria must be spent judiciously.

Buhari issued the directive on Thursday 18th March 2021,at the virtual launch of the grant for the period of 2021-2023.

”Let me also emphasize here that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and inefficient use of resources.”

The President ordered Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire, to set up an accountability framework, to monitor the use of the fund and provide periodic performance reports to his office.

Buhari said the funding would complement investments in the health sector, help curb new infections, and reduce HIV-AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria-related morbidity and mortality.

The President applauded the Global Fund for their contribution of $51million during the early stages of Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), test kits and scale up diagnostic capacity.

He acknowledged the support of Development Partners: the United States government, the United Nations System, Bilateral Agencies and various Local and International Foundations.

Kathleen FitzGibbon, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, described Nigeria’s recent contribution to the Global Fund as an important commitment to end all the three diseases and to ensure a healthy and prosperous country.

”We hope the achievements made in Nigeria in the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria, with support from the Global Fund, will inspire and motivate health workers and other partners alike”, FitzGibbon said.

Peter Sands, Executive Director, Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, disclosed that in addition to the $890million grant, the foundation has disbursed $2.6billion to support HIV, TB and Malaria and strengthening of RSSH, since 2003.