Theresa Diarra, chairperson of CCM, said: “This workshop is an important milestone in our collective efforts to mobilize resources for HIV and TB and RSSH for the next 3 years. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and sincerely thank all stakeholders in the national HIV and AIDS response.”
“TB and malaria control efforts, the UNDP, the UNAIDS, NAS, Ministry of Health, CCM members, the CCM Secretariat, program implementation teams, and all actors supporting the national efforts to control and or eliminate these diseases in the country, more so the effects of the international and local technical assistance from the tremendous support and contributions,” she added.”
Bai Cham, Executive Secretary, county coordinating mechanism, explained the purpose of the consultation
“We are on a process of developing a new grant for The Gambia to fight HIV, TB, and support government to strengthen our health system. This is a national stakeholder consultation because we want the grant to be nationally owned,” Cham said.
He stressed long-term responsibility: “The Global Fund has been here over 30 years. Now they are saying it is time for countries to take over. We need to invest our tax money and resources because it is for our people. If we don’t control these diseases, our people cannot work,” he stated.
On the budget: “This envelope is for health support. The Global Fund invests to make sure we have a health system that can prevent and control HIV, TB, and malaria,” he explained.
Alpha Khan, Executive Director, National AIDS Secretariat clarified HIV data and addressed stigma, saying: “Historically, apart from NAS, we have been receiving support from the Global Fund. It is the major donor. Every three years the grant is renewed with an allocation for HIV, TB and malaria,” he said.
“From 1.9% in 2013, the rate went to 1.5% after two years of interventions. The last sero-survey from 2015 to 2023 shows it is now at 1.4%. So HIV prevalence is going low. It is under control, not like before,” he stated.
“All we ask is people go to any health facility. The test is free. If found positive, treatment is one pill a day. You take it, your virus is suppressed, and you live a normal life,” he added.
The workshop will run for 3 days. Participants will finalize priorities before Gambia submits the GC8 funding request to the Global Fund.
