Ahead of the Seventh Replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in New York City on September 21, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has announced that it will pledge $10 million to the Fund – the world’s best financing mechanism for fighting infectious diseases.
In a statement made available to New National Star, Wednesday, signed by the Senior Director of Media Relations, Denys Nazarov, and Senior Director, Communications, Ged Kenslea, AHF President Michael Weinstein, said that the pledge will hopefully encourage wealthy donor countries, NGOs and the private sector to contribute their fair share to the Fund “so that it can meet or exceed the fundraising goal of $18 billion.”
He said: “Given the Global Fund’s outstanding track record of saving lives around the world, we feel our pledge is one of the best investments donors can make in global health.
“The Global Fund has demonstrated remarkable nimbleness in keeping existing programs going, while mobilizing new resources for COVID-19. The Global Fund also values the role of non-governmental and community organizations in creating a more equitable and sustainable public health system. We hope this pledge encourages wealthy donor countries, NGOs, and the private sector to contribute their fair share to the Fund so that it can meet or exceed the fundraising goal of $18 billion.”
Recall that on August 31, during a meeting with stakeholders, AHF repeated its call on global leaders to pledge to the Global Fund, hence the donation of $10m by the Foundation is seen as walking the talk.
On September 21, donors will gather in New York to announce their commitments, including wealthy G7 and G20 countries. The outcome will determine whether the $18 billion goal can be achieved. The funding is vital for ensuring the Fund can continue its lifesaving work and expand its mandate to address other existing and future global public health challenges.
AHF works in synergy with 31 Global Fund-supported countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, by implementing HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment delivery and advocacy programs and providing AHF Fund grants to assist other non-profit organizations. The $10 million pledge will represent another facet of collaboration.