Many HIV/AIDS activists in Zimbabwe have responded positively to news that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has shifted disbursing power to the United Nations Development Program from the National AIDS Council. But some express concern that the transfer of financial powers could slow the funding of life-saving programs.

Reporter Sylvia Manika of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe reported from Harare.

U.S.-based HIV/AIDS consultant Frenk Guni said the Global Fund reorganization in Harare will help ensure accountability and transparency in the use of resources.

But he told VOA reporter Sandra Nyaira that some funding delays are inevitable as the U.N. Development Program is not an implementation agency, though these will be minor.

In other Zimbabwe health news, the International Organization for Migration is taking steps to help Zimbabwean health workers and teachers to make short-term visits home to support national health institutions and the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences.

The IOM will cover round-trip air travel to the country and basic expenses including transport, beside helping visiting health professionals obtain temporary registration.

IOM Project Development Officer Shepherd Muchuru told reporter Brenda Moyo that there is strong interest in the program from Zimbabwean health workers abroad.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...