President Obama signs $1.05 billion contribution to the Global Fund for 2010
18 December 2010
U.S. support ensures prevention, treatment and care for people around the world affected by AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Geneva – United States President Barack Obama has signed a spending bill for the 2010 fiscal year which includes a US$1.05 billion appropriation for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is the largest sum of money ever committed by one country to the Global Fund in a single year.
The Global Fund's Executive Director, Michel Kazatchkine, warmly welcomed the United States' increased commitment to the Global Fund.
“The United States has taken its support to the fight against the three epidemics to a higher level with this contribution”, said Kazatchkine. “In these uncertain economic times, it is very encouraging to see the US remains committed rise to extending prevention and treatment to people in need.”
The U.S. government's 2010 fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 the following year. The bill was passed last week by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
"Global Fund financing fights three of the deadliest diseases around the world, work that can continue thanks to the dedicated support of members of Congress", said Friends of the Global Fight President, Natasha Bilimoria. "Their leadership will benefit millions of people across the globe."
Through its investments in health programs in 140 countries, the Global Fund is supporting lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for 2.5 million people living with HIV, and has supported effective tuberculosis drugs treatment for 6 million people, and the distribution of 104 million bed nets to prevent malaria.
As a result, more than 4.9 million lives have been saved. These are people who would have been dead, had it not been for interventions supported by the Global Fund. Every day, 3,600 deaths are averted. With US$ 9.3 billion disbursed to more than 500 grants so far, the Global Fund currently provides nearly a quarter of all international financing for AIDS globally, as well as three-fifths for TB and malaria.
At its most recent meeting in Ethiopia, the Global Fund Board of Directors approved the second-largest round of financing in the history of the organization, with 85 new grants worth $2.4 billion over two years. With $1.05 billion appropriated, the Global Fund is much closer to meeting the demand for financing.
“Support to fight the three epidemics must be sustained if we want to reach the goals we have set for ourselves”, added Professor Kazatchkine. “We need a similar level of commitment from leaders in other countries.”