The vaccine alliance, Gavi and the Government of Lesotho have signed a Letter of Intent on the resumption of direct funding to the Government of Lesotho, following the successful implementation of pre-disbursement financial systems requirements, reports ITREALMS.
"We commend the Government of Lesotho for its commitment to building back better and ensuring greater financial accountability and transparency. Gavi is pleased to stand by Lesotho's side as we embark on this new chapter of our partnership and look forward to this continued partnership as we sustain the gains in the long term," said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi.
As of April 2024, all mandatory GMRs have been successfully addressed, enabling Gavi to resume direct funds disbursement through the government system from the second half of 2024.
Gavi will also continue to provide public financial management capacity-building support through the end of 2025 to ensure financial management assistance is available at both the national and sub-national levels to ensure sustainability.
"This unique moment is an opportunity for the Government of Lesotho to strengthen our relationship with partners. We look forward to working together to drive and sustain positive changes in our country's health system," said Selibe Mochoboroane, Lesotho’s Minister of Health.
Commenting on the development, Tlohang Sekhamane, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho, commended the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance for putting in place strong public financial management, accountability and transparency structures that have enabled the return of direct Gavi support to Lesotho. He encouraged the Ministry of Health to ensure that the country does not fall back from Gavi support due to accountability issues, urging all stakeholders including the parliament to work together for the prosperity of Lesotho people.
Gavi and its Alliance partners commend the Government of Lesotho for its dedication to improving financial management and transparency. This milestone marks an important step in the country's journey towards greater self-reliance and sustainable immunisation programmes.
The event marking the resumption of disbursement of funds was also witnessed by the international development community led by EU Ambassador to Lesotho Ms Paola Amadei, UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho Ms Amanda Mukwashi, World Bank Country Representative Dr Yoichiro Ishihara, including representation from MCC, USAID, and Alliance partners WHO and UNICEF.
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