Moldova must work out mechanisms for passing from the external to internal financing of HIV and tuberculosis prevention programs. The state should also think up mechanisms to financially support the NGOs working in the field. The issues were discussed within a National Dialog on the successful switchover to internal program financing, IPN reports.
Head of the Union for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Harm Reduction Ala Yatsko said that in 2018 the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will stop financing this sector in Moldova. “That’s why the state must take over this commitment, this responsibility and must provide financial resources for these programs,” she stated.
According to her, the state can start to partially finance the HIV prevention programs in 2018. “Starting with 2018, the state should allocate resources for two risk reduction programs. A program costs about 1 million lei, while two programs approximately 2 million lei. These sums are not enormous for the state budget, but they can reduce the number of cases of HIV infection and can solve many health problems faced by the very vulnerable groups,” said Ala Yatsko.
Afterward, the number of budget-funded programs should be annually increased by 1-2 programs. In 5-6 years, the state should take over most of the programs. “This does not mean that the public associations will not contribute and will not attract foreign investment. This remains our task – to contribute, to bring investment, expertise and good practices. We will continue to work, but we need a minimum guaranteed by the state so as to be able to ensure the life of these programs,” added Ala Yatsko.
Nicolas Cantau, regional team leader for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, said the Government of Moldova should provide financial assistance to the NGOs operating in this area. The Global Fund financed a part of the activities to prevent HIV infection and tuberculosis, but Moldova should design and implement prevention mechanisms. “If you show that there is political leaderism and serious involvement, the Fund will provide co-financing. We will offer all the support to help the communities and NGOs to reduce risks,” he stated.
Currently, the Global Fund finances about ten programs to prevent HIV infection among risk groups, to the value of about 10 million lei.
