Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - July 18, 2002
Jaspreet Kindra
A row has erupted after Tshabalala-Msimang asked for the grant to be re-routed through the South African National Aids Council (Sanac) and distributed equitably to all provinces.
The national Ministry of Health said KwaZulu-Natal had not followed the correct procedures, which required it to apply a "country fund coordinating mechanism" established by national government.
KwaZulu-Natal applied directly for the grant, explaining that it had done so because a national mechanism had not been set up in time.
The bureaucratic wrangling over the money sparked a fierce response from Anglican archbishop Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane, who called for Tshabalala-Msimang's resignation.
The Treatment Action Campaign's Nathan Geffen said: "We fully understand and appreciate the lack of confidence expressed in the minister."
The South African government has also received $165,2-million directly from the fund, of which $93-million will go to Sanac.
However, it has become clear that the UN global fund is itself divided over KwaZulu-Natal's application.
Business Day quoted the former head of the fund's proposals team, Hernan Rosenberg, as warning that if the money was diverted to other projects for which it was not earmarked, it would be withheld.
But UN online news service PLUSnews quotes Dr Mazuwa Banda, the global fund's coordinator for Africa, as saying the dispute was "the first big political test for the fund".
The fund's representatives were divided over whether proposals should have the endorsement of national governments.
PLUSnews quotes the province's bid leader, Professor Umesh Lallo, as saying KwaZulu-Natal was "pressed for time" and the designation of Sanac as the coordinating mechanism "happened at the last minute".
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Zweli Mkhize dismissed fears that the province would not get the amount it needed for programmes if it was routed through Sanac. He said they would be meeting the Global Fund.
PLUSnews comments that at the time of KwaZulu-Natal's application, "the government was embroiled in a controversy over the provision of nevirapine to all HIV-positive pregnant women and there was uncertainty over whether they would apply for resources from the fund."
020718
MG020708
Copyright © 2002 - Daily Mail & Guardian. For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact the publisher.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .