NAMIBIA REQUESTS FUNDING TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS

Namibia has submitted a proposal to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria requesting funds to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. The Global Fund had called for countries to submit proposals for round six of its funding program.

The Namibian Coordination Committee for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria drafted the proposal, which requested 45 percent less funding than the one submitted during the last round of grants. In total, the country asked for $49 million.

Areas of focus include: orphans and vulnerable children ($9 million); antiretroviral drugs, including pediatric formulations ($9 million); community-based prevention, care and support, including advocacy, home-based care and psychosocial support ($7.5 million); strengthening health systems ($6.5 million); and research ($3 million).

According to the Global Fund, a total of 97 countries submitted proposals for grants this round, seeking a total of an additional $5.8 billion in the next five years. The organization currently funds nearly 400 programs in 132 countries worth more than $9 billion. The fund's board will meet in November to approve the recent proposals.