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Govt
begs for more US funding
Tatenda Chitagu, Southern Eye
December 03, 2013
http://www.southerneye.co.zw/2013/12/03/govt-begs-us-funding/
Despite the sour relations
between Harare and Washington, the government has begged the United
States (US) to dig deeper into its purse and increase funding for
the country’s ailing health sector as the liquidity crisis
deepens.
Speaking at the 13th
Auxillia Chimusoro awards yesterday, Masvingo provincial medical
director Dr Robert Mudyiradima begged US ambassador to Zimbabwe
Bruce Wharton to “spare a little more thousands” for
Masvingo province.
“While we appreciate
current support from the American embassy, we appeal for special
attention from you. If you could spare a little more thousands for
the people of Masvingo as we need to get all HIV and Aids patients
on life-saving antiretroviral therapy,” said Mudyiradima.
“We know you are
already supporting our ministry and other non-governmental organisations,
but we prefer preferential treatment for Masvingo.
“It is within your
powers for us to get a little bit extra than all other provinces.
We need to achieve universal access and fight stigma. We need a
little more notice so that we can prove that universal access is
achievable,” Mudyiradima said.
National
Aids Council provincial officer Ivos Makoni had earlier lamented
the demise of Aids support groups in the province due to donor fatigue.
“Many Aids support
groups have folded over the years due to lack of funding and we
appreciate the remaining ones for working very hard under difficult
conditions,” Makoni said.
Wharton said the US government
is committed to help and work with the Zimbabwean government.
“We are committed
to fund the government of Zimbabwe’s health sector.
“We believe it
is important to respond to the needs of Zimbabweans. We provide
aid in the health as well as the education sector. Our relationship
is important and we work closely with several government ministries,”
said Wharton.
He said the US government
had funded Zimbabwe’s health sector to the tune of $125 million
for HIV and Aids, tuberculosis, malaria and maternal and infant
mortality programmes in 2013.
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