Myanmar will be receiving additional funding under the Global Fund's C19RM to scale-up MoHS testing capacity as it expands diagnostic testing with antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), other existing platforms (GeneXpert) and personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers. Myanmar is eligible to receive additional funds for a total amount equivalent to up to 4.0% of its 2020-2022 allocation amount. This is equivalent to US$10.6 million.

The Global Fund is implementing an investment approach for the additional funding as part of the already approved C19RM funding requests for a number of priority countries, including Myanmar.

Following WHO guidance published on 11 September 2020, The Global Fund is encouraging the countries to procure COVID-19 diagnostic tests (with a specific focus to scale-up testing with antigen rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Rapid tests are able to detect the presence of the virus at the point of care, which are faster and cheaper.

The MoHS has already agreed to submit a proposal to the Global Fund to secure these additional funds. A proposal development team comprising members from the MOHS, the national programmes including NHL and CEU and UNOPS PR has been set up, working closely with the WHO to submit Myanmar’s proposal by 11 December 2020.

Earlier, in August 2020, The Global Fund approved US$18 million under C19RM to cover immediate needs and mitigation of the COVID-19 impact on the HIV, TB and malaria programmes, reinforcement of the national COVID-19 response, and urgent improvements in health and community systems. This additional funding will bring Myanmar’s total C19RM award to US$28.6 million.

Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC) is the sole Principal Recipient for this additional funding support. This C19RM funding is in addition to the US$ 7.1 million that the Global Fund has already approved from the savings of the current grants for emergency procurement support, bringing the total support for the COVID-19 response in Myanmar to US$35.7 million.