January 11, the Global Fund discloses its ambition to tackle the epidemics and build stronger health systems in the next three-year cycle: raising at least US$14 billion.

Today, January 11, French President Emmanuel Macron and Executive Director of The Global Fund Peter Sands have announced their funding requirements for the Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment for the period 2020 to 2022: at least US$14 billion to support the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, and to build stronger health systems.

This announcement comes at a crucial time in the fight against these epidemics.

The remarkable progress recorded since the Global Fund’s creation seem to stand still and some experts are worried about a potential epidemic resurgence. These last few years’ trend of stagnation in spending against the three diseases demonstrate the insufficient global investments in this field, banishing the prospect to end it by 2030, as the international community had committed by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Considering the decisive role of the Global Fund in this fight, along with its catalytic effects on the rest of its partners, I am questioning this US$14 billion investment demand. Certainly, it is a substantial effort in the current international environment, but is it enough?” raises Laurent Vigier.

“It is essential that the international community mobilizes and gathers US$83 billion for three years in order to cover nearly all global needs of developing countries, for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, and therefore to improve access to care for the most vulnerable and marginalized living in low or middle-income countries, as the commitments made at the United Nations remind us. Is the share represented by the Global Fund to reach this overall goal big enough? My ambition for the Global Fund is higher. National health care systems of developing countries remain fragile and the increase rate of national budgets dedicated to health uncertain. Let us not make a risky bet to the detriment of vulnerable populations by underestimating the financial support the Global Fund needs to keep providing for now,” he adds.

“The Global Fund has shown its effectiveness, its ability to innovate and to build partnerships. By involving the civil society and communities, it facilitates access to health care for the most vulnerable populations, protects and promotes the rights and gender equality. We must capitalize on these key strengths at the benefit of health care for all, and to build sustainable health systems. I am concerned that the funding request of the Global Fund does not allow the significant progress we were hoping for the patients suffering from the diseases, nor strengthening health systems. We have to be much more audacious in order to take up the challenge of health care for all, and the Global Fund is the only multilateral instrument able today to rapidly strengthen health systems,” states Former German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Heidemarie Wieczorek–Zeul.

Europe has supported the creation of the Global Fund and currently contributes to 50% of its resources. It should take the lead so the Global Fund could fully pursue its mission beyond its own ambition, for the Common Good. “France, by hosting the donors conference in October 10 in Lyon will have to fully support this impulse,” indicates former European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs.

Download the summary of the Sixth Replenishment Investment Case in English / in French

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Created in 2005, Friends of the Global Fund Europe aims to mobilize public and private initiatives in Europe to contribute to global health and the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The association also works to publicize and encourage recognition of the objectives, actions and results of the Global Fund, while helping increase its resources.
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Anissa TIJANI
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Friends of the Global Fund Europe
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