Sustenance of programmes vital: Morauta

 THE Government must plan to sustain tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS programmes because global funding is only for a short time, an official says.

Country coordinating mechanism chairperson Lady Roslyn Morauta said most of the programmes in the country were funded by the Global Fund. Problems will arise when grants end.

For example, closure of the first HIV grant left many gaps in government and church HIV services, including patients.

She was speaking during the signing of the three new grants from Global Fund for TB, malaria and the strengthening of the health system in Port Moresby.

“The sustainability of these programmes is critical. The government now recognises this and is making a substantial co-financing contribution,” she said.

US Ambassador Walter North said the Government should meet its commitment to address the serious threats of these diseases.

 Managing director of Rotarians against Malaria Ron Seddon said the success of the malaria reduction from 12.1 per cent to 1.8 per cent was made possible by working closely with the Department of Health, provincial health authorities and churches.