Global Fund
ISLAMABAD: The Global Fund has requested diplomatic status in return for rescinding the Additional Safeguard Policy (ASP), enabling Pakistan to access a $281.5 million grant for combating AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Caretaker Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan disclosed, “We have written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to grant privileges and immunities or diplomatic status to the Global Fund after they sought this status in exchange for revoking the Additional Safeguard Policy. Cancellation of the policy would allow us to utilize Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM).”
The Global Fund has sanctioned a $281.5 million grant for HIV, TB, and Malaria, along with an additional $5 million in catalytic funding spanning 2024-2026. The federal health ministry made a separate announcement on Thursday regarding this approval.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has served as the principal recipient of the Global Fund’s HIV and AIDS grant since 2020, when the donor organization invoked the Additional Safeguard Policy, citing “unsatisfactory performance” of public sector institutions.
Artificial Rain As A Solution To Rising Smog
Meanwhile,
LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated planning for the implementation of artificial rain in the provincial capital, marking a first-of-its-kind effort in the country.
Provincial Environment Minister Bilal Afzal and Education Minister Mansoor Qadir chaired a meeting on Thursday to discuss short, medium, and long-term measures for smog control in the city.
Consultations on artificial rainfall as a smog mitigation strategy were held, leading to a decision to prepare for artificial rain in the city on November 28 or 29, taking advantage of potential cloudy weather.
