| Overview : In accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards, the Government of Belize seeks to reinforce the capacity of the National Health Accounts (NHA) team with regards to the management and reporting of TB- and HIV-related financial data. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the risk of developing TB is estimated to be between 26 and 31 times greater in people living with HIV than among those without HIV infection. In 2014, there were 9.6 million new cases of TB, of which 1.2 million were among people living with HIV. As of 2012, Belize has the highest overall HIV prevalence rate in Central America with an estimate of 1.4% and approximately 3,300 people living with HIV (Global AIDS Report 2013). The estimated TB prevalence is 51 per 100,000, while the incidence is 40 per 100,000. Available data consistently reveal that the Belize, Cayo and Stann Creek districts have a high burden of TB and HIV thus representing the key affected geographic areas. In efforts to fight the rising numbers of HIV and TB infections in Belize, there have been increasing budgetary requirements as well as the need for adequate management and reporting of TB- and HIV-related finance. Since sustaining TB and HIV control at current levels and making further progress to achieve global targets requires financing, data about funding needs, sources of funding, funding gaps and expenditures are important at global, regional, national and sub-national levels. By being able to create systematic reports on the financial resources required for TB and HIV management and control as well as on sources of funding and funding gaps, the National TB and HIV Programmes and the wider MOH will be better able to assess its financial needs and resource allocation strategies in order to better achieve its goals. The management of TB and HIV necessitates a united response; and therefore, newer strategies in infection control are necessary in order to lessen the burden of HIV, TB and Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Belize. The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical assistance to design techniques, structures and processes that will improve the financial knowledge of the relevant authorities about disease-related financial projections, investment budgets and financial performance of the TB- and HIV-disease response programmes. |
