Children living with HIV or those whose parents have been affected, are yet to receive the benefits of the Global Fund round 10, a cash transfer program to ensure nutrition, education and care for them. As per a need assessment done by Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal supported by Save the Children, 2300 children were identified as eligible for the program. “Implementation of the program here has been delayed because of official apathy,” charged Ms. Natisara Rai, President of National Association of PLHIV in Nepal (NAP+N). Much-needed aid Ms. Saraswoti Lama, who has been living with HIV and working with others like her for the last eight years, said the scheme offered cash incentive of Rs. 1500 a month for a CABA. She has two children infected by HIV. “This is a big amount for us families as we have to bear the additional expenses of medicines and nutrition, apart from our day-to-day expenses,” she said. Unfortunate delay Although the Need Assessment report was submitted in 2012, officials kept it in abeyance. Since then, the number of children has died waiting for a small incentive over the multimillion dollar project. NCASC, a government agency and Save the Children are primary recipient of the Global Fund monies point out fingers to each other, and UNICEF at other hand kept quit neglecting the misery of the Poor children. Cash Transfer Guidelines Although the need assessment report clearly states the options of the cash transfer program with the options of institutional framework, options on mode of transfer, options for conditions and criteria of selection of CABA for cash transfer. The Cash Transfer Guidelines being drafted noting the system of Government which further delaying the process of implementation. Sustainability Plan All the HIV projects implemented in the country never addressed the sustainability plan, if GFATM stops funding and other main donors USAID, Aus AID, GIZ, EU stops funding, can Government of Nepal implement the projects?? even ARV procurement is unsustainable. Sustainability Question itself is a mockery for overall HIV program in Nepal. Isn’t it?
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 10:53:25 +0000