June 23rd, 2022

 

OPEN LETTER TO G7 LEADERS:

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE BOLD ACTION TO ENSURE A SAFER, MORE EQUITABLE WORLD

 

Twenty years ago, G7 leaders joined global partners to create the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund has made remarkable progress over those two decades, saving over 44 million lives and cutting the combined death rate from these diseases by more than half in the countries it serves.

However, global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, Mali and other parts of the world put these hard-won gains at risk. In order to get back on track and end these deadly epidemics by 2030, the world will need to raise at least US$18 billion for the 7th Global Fund Replenishment, which will be hosted by the U.S. in the fall.

This is the most ambitious replenishment target ever set. But if successful, it will save 20 million lives, avert more than 450 million infections or cases of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and rebuild vital frontline health services that will help detect and stop the next pandemic. Such bold action promises huge returns on investment, accelerating progress towards the G7’s key priorities and delivering US$31 of health gains and economic returns for every dollar invested.

President Biden has already taken the first step towards making this Replenishment a success with an intended pledge of US$6 billion over three years. However, this commitment can only be realized if other donors pledge the remaining US$12 billion. Similarly, the German government has pledged US$1.2 billion, bringing us a step closer to our target.

We urge G7 leaders to stand alongside allies, including the U.S., with at least a 30% increased pledge at the 7th Replenishment Conference in September.

These are extraordinary times, which call for extraordinary measures. Now is the time for G7 leaders to rise to the challenge to build on 20 years of Global Fund impact and create a safer and healthier world for all.

 —

Douglas Alexander, Former Secretary of State for International Development

Tom Daschle, Former US Senate Majority Leader

The Rt Hon. the Lord Fowler, Former Lord Speaker and Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Security

Bill Frist, Former US Senate Majority Leader

Hermann Gröhe, Deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, and Former Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Germany

Neven Mimica, Former European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development

Andris Piebalgs, Former European Commissioner for Development

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Former Minister for Women’s Rights and for National Education, Higher Education and Research, and director of ONE France

Stefano Vella, Professor of Immunology, Former Director of the Superior Institute of Health of Roma, and Vice-President of Friends of the Global Fund Europe

Laurent Vigier, Former G8 counsellor of French President Jacques Chirac, and President of Friends of the Global Fund Europe

Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, Member of the German Council for Sustainable Development, Former Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Vice President of Friends of the Global Fund Europe