It’s an exciting time for the African Constituency Bureau as we usher in a new crop of constituency leaders in accordance with governance policies that require new leadership every two years.
Building on the success of outgoing leaders, our new leadership is well-poised to make the voice of our African constituencies even stronger.
Here’s a glimpse of what incoming leader Meet Major General (Dr.) Gerald Gwinji hopes to achieve during hisr 2018-2020 tenurs on the board.
Major General (Dr.) Gerald Gwinju, outgoing and incoming alternate board member, ESA, 2016-2018 and 2018-2020, is passionate about public health management and draws on his experience as brigadier general presiding over military health services in Zimbabwe.
“By the end of my 2018-2020 tenure, I hope there will be a stronger appreciation of the current challenges developing countries face in terms of health delivery systems,” Major General (Dr.) Gwinji said. “I also hope to motivate member states to increase their support for the general health delivery systems, including community system strengthening.”
Major General (Dr.) Gwinji is the permanent secretary of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care. A medical doctor by profession, Gwinji specializes in public health and, as a brigadier general presiding over military health services in Zimbabwe, he’s s enjoyed a long career in public health management.
In this interview, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Gwinji counts on his previous experience as an alternate to continue amplifying the African voice.
Q: What inspired you to make yourself available to represent Africa on the GF Board?
A: Sub-Saharan African bears the biggest burden of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This is happening in an environment where most countries are struggling to raise enough resources to respond to the burden of the three diseases. The Global Fund is the biggest funding partner for the three diseases. As a government official, it’s my responsibility to ensure that partner funds are utilized transparently while ensuring maximum impact for the resources. As a key government decision maker, I feel my contribution as a board member will demonstrate a high level of government commitment to GF processes.
Q: What would you want to achieve in the next 2 years of your tenure?
A: By the end of my tenure as an Alternate Board Member I hope there will be a greater appreciation of the current challenges developing countries face in terms of health delivery systems. These factors should be taken into consideration in the next funding cycle. I also hope to motivate member states to increase their support for the general health delivery systems including community system strengthening.
Q: What opportunities do you see ahead of you?
A: The Regional blocksmeetings present a good opportunity for member states to learn about GF processes and updates. GF board meetings also offer an opportunity for dialogue between funding partners and beneficiaries.
Q: What does your vision of a stronger African Constituency look like?
A: My vision for a stronger African Constituency is a well-informed unified voice. A constituency that demonstrates a commitment to take care of the health needs of its citizens.
Please join us in welcoming our new leadership team and wishing them a successful tenure. Together, we will build on the successes of our outgoing leaders to make the African Constituency Bureau stronger and even more influential.
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