Government through the Ministry of Health yesterday signed a $204 million (aboutRwf138bn) grant with the Global Fund for implementation of the five-year national strategic plan for HIV/Aids.

The grant signing event coincided with the celebration of the 10 year partnership between the Rwandan Government and Global Fund which has seen the latter cumulatively grant Rwanda close to $ 900 million.

The grant is part of an innovative result-based funding mechanism approach that the two entities agreed upon.

Under the terms of agreement, between Rwanda and Global Fund, further disbursements will be tied to achievement of key outcome and impact indicators.

At the signing of the agreement, Health Minister Dr. Agnes Binagwaho said success was registered under the previous funding mechanisms by the Global Fund which boosted the confidence and relations between the two parties.

 "This is a great approach, it will encourage accountability and result-based performance, ” Binagwaho said.

This being the first time Global Fund is using this approach; the minister said it was due to Rwanda’s proven track record of success in health programmes and financial management.

"We will sustain the universal access to treatment and care, reduce new infections by two-thirds, and halve the number of HIV/Aids related  deaths in the next five years.”

Also present at the signing was Finance Minister Claver Gatete who commended Global Fund for their confidence in Rwanda.

"Global Fund has been a good development partner and has supported various health projects, including Malaria and Tuberculosis.  We will ensure accountability not only for further funding but also to sustain the gains made,” Minister Gatete said.

Global Fund executive director, Mark Dybul said Rwanda has worked closely with the Global Fund and had made numerous gains from previous grants.

"This grant model is only applicable in high performing countries with robust and reliable national systems, Rwanda definitely fits the bill,” Dybul said.

The State Minister in charge of Public Health and Primary Health Care Dr. Anita Asiimwe said the two-year grant makes up 45 per cent of the total Rwf673bn strategic plan budget.

The chair of the board of the Global fund, Dr Nafsiah Mboi hailed Rwanda for its National HIV/Aids strategic plan which seeks to reduce new infections by two –thirds to 2000 from 6,000 per year.

Under the agreement, Rwanda will continue to monitor the achievement of universal access to HIV/Aids treatment and care for people living with the virus. Global Fund will jointly verify the results of the programmes with Rwanda.

Education minister Dr. Vincent Biruta said part of the funds from the grant will be used in the training of medical doctors and other health professionals to step up the HIV/Aids fight.