Harare — Government has received an additional US$37,9 million from the Global Fund to fight HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.

The funds, which will be used over a period of six months, are expected to start "flowing" into the country in the next three weeks and will be disbursed through the United Nations Development Programme.

Of the grant, US$20,4 million will go towards HIV and Aids programmes, US$11,1 for malaria initiatives and US$5,7 million for tuberculosis intervention schemes.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony of the grant between UNDP, GFATM and Country Co-ordinating Mechanism representative, guest of honour Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai commended GFATM for showing confidence in the inclusive Government through supporting the health sector.

"This signing ceremony represents a key benchmark for our 100-Day Plan and is a step forward for the inclusive Government. It means the GFATM's confidence towards the inclusive Government is growing," PM Tsvangirai said.

He hoped that the coming on board of the GFATM would attract more funding to assist the people of Zimbabwe. "I hope that we will be able to access more funds as we move on and that we will have the capacity to deliver," he said.

GFATM Africa Unit director Dr Fareed Abdullah urged Zimbabweans to put behind the background of a troubled financial relationship between Zimbabwe and the organisation and concentrate on accelerating programmes. GFATM had suspended Zimbabwe from receiving any funding including approved grants.

The new relationship will, however, see UNDP receiving money on behalf of Government instead of the initial arrangement were funds came through the Health Ministry, National Aids Council and the Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals.

"Today's signing ceremony marks the turning point on the relationship between Zimbabwe and the Global Fund. We have had a troubled past, but what we are witnessing here today is a portion of funds approved for Zimbabwe.

"We have been given assurance that the money will be used well and implement accelerated programmes over the next six months," he said. UNDP resident representative Dr Agostinho Zacarias said he would take the responsibility of facilitating the flow of funds into the country seriously to ensure effective implementation of the programmes.

Dr Zacarias commended the assistance from the Global Fund saying it would go a long way in overcoming challenges associated with the three diseases.

Chairman of the CCM Dr Henry Madzorera, who is Health and Child Welfare Minister, said the grant would help in upgrading health facilities, strengthening follow-ups on patients on antiretroviral treatment and training of health care personnel.

"This grant is not going to answer all our problems, but with the coming in of Round Eight, we are moving closer to universal access to treatment," Dr Madzorera said.

Dr Madzorera said Round Eight proposal was expected to be signed by September this year. The three-member Global Fund team left the country yesterday.