The Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) recently said it would award additional funding to respond to urgent needs to reinforce the COVID-19 response through a Fasttrack modality.

According to a letter written by the Global Fund on February 16, the indicative amount that Uganda can apply for is US$ 28,950,097.  The final awards of the grants will be determined by the Global Fund based on the submission of quality requests, a rigorous review and availability of funds.

Additional Fast-track Funding Requests must be coordinated and endorsed by the Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCM).

Still, according to the Global Fund, in order to access additional funds, applicants must demonstrate a need based on their country’s epidemiological situation (COVID-19 upsurge), absorptive capacity, programmatic disruption, and ability to put funds to work immediately. The deadline for use of C19RM funds remains 31 December 2023.

Additional funding is expected to primarily be invested in the procurement of COVID-19 diagnostic tests, with the aim of sustaining or scaling-up testing rates in line with WHO targets. It is also among others meant for oxygen support, targeting gaps in oxygen health products identified by in country assessments and operational plans. In order to accelerate disease mitigation efforts and scale-up integrated TB/COVID-19 bidirectional testing and TB cartridges may also be requested.