Posts
On Tuesday, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria said the political standoff in Ivory Coast has caused it to suspend grants and take measures to safeguard its resources in the West African country. "Due to the current political instability, we have decided to freeze disbursements to principal recipients until further notice," said Global Fund spokesperson Veronique Taveau.
Since the Nov. 28 election, incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo has refused to step down and relinquish the office of president to Alassane Ouattara, who is widely recognized to have won. More than 200 people have been killed in the ensuing violence, according to the UN.
The Global Fund operates a €163 million (US $213 million) program in Ivory Coast, with malaria control its chief focus, said Taveau. Malaria kills almost 20,000 people annually in the country. The fund is halting distribution of its stock of 8.6 million insecticide-treated bed nets due to fears of vandalism or misuse.
However, the procurement and distribution of drugs to treat HIV and malaria will continue, provided partner agencies such as the charity CARE seek prior authorization from the fund. Approximately 480,000 Ivorians are living with HIV, but just one in seven receive antiretroviral treatment, the Global Fund said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
