Global Fund Welcomes Contribution by France
16 July 2013
GENEVA – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said that it very warmly welcomes the commitment from President François Hollande of France to sustain its role as Europe’s leading contributor.
President Hollande announced on 15 July 2013 that France would contribute EUR 1.08 billion (US$1.4 billion) to the Global Fund for the 2014-2016 period, reaffirming its financial commitment at a strong level, despite an environment of deep financial concern and cutbacks in other areas.
“Despite having to make difficult budgetary adjustments in many areas, France has made the right choice in maintaining its strong commitment to this critical fight,” said Mireille Guigaz, Vice-Chair of the Global Fund Board and France’s former Ambassador for the fight against HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases.
France has been a consistent leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, playing a decisive role in the creation of the Global Fund. It is Europe’s largest contributor to the Global Fund, and the second largest overall, after the United States. It has also been a strong leader in innovative financing, including the airline tax for humanitarian purposes, which President Hollande announced would be increased for the first time since 2006.
The Global Fund’s Executive Director Mark Dybul said President Hollande was showing strong leadership in reaffirming France’s financial backing for the Global Fund. He thanked France’s Development Minister Pascal Canfin for his determined political support.
“I would like to commend President Hollande and Minister Canfin for the lead they are taking in a critical year for the future of the Global Fund’s work in combatting the three diseases,” said Dr. Dybul. “France has for years tirelessly defended the Global Fund’s founding values, which emphasize the key role played by communities affected by the diseases, by civil society and by recipient governments.”
France supports programs that target vulnerable people and take into account issues of human rights, gender and the protection of young girls. It has also helped to champion the launch this year of a new funding model that allows the Global Fund to invest more strategically, achieve greater impact and engage implementers and partners more effectively.
Since 2011, up to five per cent of France’s contribution to the Global Fund has been earmarked for capacity-building activities in Francophone countries aimed at improving the effectiveness and health impact of Global Fund grants.
The Global Fund is convening a once-every-three-years pledging conference, known as the Global Fund's Fourth Replenishment, in late 2013.
Today, with the scientific tools and implementation experience at our disposal, the world has an historic opportunity to completely control these three major killers.