MONTREAL, 17 September, 2016 (The Global Fund): The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced today that pledges from private donors and innovative financing initiatives reached US$250 million (1,67 milliarder kroner, red.) for the coming three years, more than twice as much as in the previous period.
The announcement was made at the launch of the Global Fund's Fifth Replenishment, hosted by the government of Canada, where leaders from all over the world gathered to show global commitment toward ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria for good.
Private sector companies play a pivotal role in the Global Fund partnership, contributing expertise that enhances the impact of programs supported by the Global Fund, in addition to contributing funding.
"We have come together in Montreal to show the world that we are committed to ending AIDS, TB, and malaria for good," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada's Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.
"In working closely with our partners, we have taken great strides towards helping the world's poorest and most vulnerable. As we mark the beginning of the new replenishment period, Canada looks forward to working even more closely with our partners to improve human rights, achieve gender equality and end these epidemics by 2030."
(RED), the organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver that engages businesses and people in the fight against AIDS in Africa, today pledged a further US$100 million over the next three years to support the work of the Global Fund.
"Together, with (RED)'s partners, we are more committed than ever to raising the money and awareness needed to finally end AIDS," said Deborah Dugan, CEO of (RED). "(RED)'s pledge today underscores the bold commitments of our partners and supporters over the last decade, and the important role that the private sector plays in this fight."
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Comic Relief pledged US$12.75 million, combining funds raised during its Sport Relief campaign in the UK, and Red Nose Day in the United States, with matching funds by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
"Comic Relief is committed to the fight against HIV, TB and malaria and, thanks to the generosity of the people who support our campaigns in the UK and US, we are delighted to be able to make this pledge," said Kevin Cahill, CEO of Comic Relief.
David Sin, Founder of Fullerton Health Foundation International, pledged S$7.5 million over the next 3 years, in addition to in-kind contributions.
"Business partners all have a role to play in giving back to our communities, to support the end of epidemics and foster healthy populations. We are humbled and delighted to be able to do so with the Global Fund" said Mr. Sin.
Several private sector partners have launched innovative initiatives to impart expertise and training to strengthen health systems and improve program implementation, including Ecobank, Coca-Cola, SAP, and Munich RE.
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Faith-Based Organizations also play a critically important role in the global health, often providing health care to hard-to-reach areas in low income countries. The United Methodist Church, in partnership with the Global Fund, pledged US$8 million for the next three years.
"Churches have presence and influence all over the world, even in the smallest, most remote villages where roads or electricity are scarce," said Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, Chair of the United Methodist Global Health Initiative. "We are committed to encouraging these communities to support the Global Fund and national efforts to fight the diseases of poverty."
Many other pledges made at the Replenishment Conference today will be compiled and announced at the conclusion of the conference on 17 September.
The Global Fund wishes to acknowledge contributions of the following partners:
- (RED)
- Comic Relief
- Fullerton Health Foundation International
- Ecobank
- Standard Bank
- United Methodist Church
- Catholic Relief Services
- Goodbye Malaria
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals
- Munich RE
- The Tahir Foundation
- Duet Group
