5 things to know about the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
5 things to know about the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
The Global Fund is one of the largest multilateral health funds in the world. In concrete terms, rich countries contribute money to help pay for the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in countries where the three diseases are still heavily circulating. The Global Fund's investments are also being used to strengthen the health systems in these countries so that they are better able to fight current and future pandemics.
Why was the Global Fund founded?
At the beginning of this century, the spread of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria increased significantly worldwide. At the same time, better treatment and prevention tools became available in the fight against the three diseases. However, inequality meant that the new tools did not or not sufficiently reach the people who needed them most. World leaders gathered to turn the tide and decided to create the Global Fund.
What results did the Global Fund achieve?
Since its inception in 2002, the Global Fund has been very successful in the fight against the three diseases. For example, the number of AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections was reduced by 65% and 54% respectively. In total, the Global Fund has already saved more than 44 million. One of the main reasons for the Global Fund's success is that it allows countries and the people most affected by the disease to co-decide on how the money is spent.
What does the Global Fund need to end AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria?
In the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, world leaders have agreed to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030. The Global Fund is a crucial element in achieving this goal. However, the corona pandemic put great pressure on the advances made. This means that the Global Fund will need more resources in the coming years to make up for the setback. A total of $18 billion over the next three years will be needed to get the world back on track to end the three diseases by 2030. That is over 30% more than last time.
What should the Netherlands do to support the Global Fund?
Since the establishment of the Global Fund, the Netherlands has been the 10th most important donor to the Global Fund. By donating money, the Netherlands has saved many lives and it can co-decide on the approach of the Global Fund, for example by drawing more attention to human rights. Every three years, the Global Fund looks for new resources during the so-called replenishment conference. Last time, the Netherlands contributed 157 million euros. For the upcoming replenishment in September, the Global Fund will need 30% more resources, which amounts to 200 million euros as a Dutch contribution. Only in this way can we really put an end to AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030.