Global Fund Recognizes Signal of Deep Commitment by Spain
25 July 2012
GENEVA –The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today welcomed an announcement by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Relations and Cooperation that it will contribute €10 million (around US$ 12.1 million) to the Global Fund, a resumption of funding that signals Spain’s deep commitment to disease prevention and treatment.
In announcing the contribution, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Relations and Cooperation emphasized that, given current financial constraints, Spain will target its development aid towards those initiatives which have the greatest impact in providing essential services to those most in need. The decision is expected to be confirmed by the Board of Spain’s Fund for the Promotion of Development on 30 July.
“I am deeply moved by this contribution, coming in the midst of such a fantastically serious economic crisis,” said Gabriel Jaramillo, General Manager of the Global Fund. “It says a lot about the generosity and solidarity that has always characterized the people and the government of Spain.”
Mr. Jaramillo added that those who benefit from the life-saving programs financed by the Global Fund appreciate and value each dollar the Spanish people are giving up to help relieve the suffering of others.
“Their generosity sends a strong message that, in spite of the current financial situation and the painful sacrifices we must make to overcome it, we cannot relent on our commitment to rid the world of these three deadly diseases.”
Spain ranks as the 9th largest donor to the Global Fund based on its cumulative contributions. In addition to contributing financially, Spain participates in the development of policies and strategies to fight the three diseases through its representation in the Fund’s Board.