Benin Pledges $2 Million to Global Fund
16 September 2016
COTONOU, BENIN - The government of Benin announced a US$2 million contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, signaling global commitment towards ending epidemics that affect people all over the world.
The announcement came on the eve of the Global Fund's Fifth Replenishment Conference on 16-17 September in Montreal, Canada, where world leaders and decision-makers will gather to set funding to end the epidemics and build resilient and sustainable systems for health.
Benin President Patrice Talon announced the contribution, saying that his country was committed to working with other global health leaders to end the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and build sufficient health systems to respond to future disease outbreaks.
"The world has made breathtaking progress in fighting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria over the last decade, saving many lives and reinvigorating economies," President Talon said. "In solidarity, we join hands with other countries in the world to invest to end these diseases for good."
Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund, thanked President Talon and the people of Benin, saying the contribution is yet another moment of great leadership on global health by African countries.
"Benin's new commitment to the Global Fund is a terrific step in global health," said Dr. Dybul. "This is a great time for all countries around the world to invest together to create adequate resources to end HIV, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics while building resilient and sustainable systems for health."
Since 2012, the Benin government has also allocated €36 million as part of its domestic financial contribution to the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. That investment is expected to contribute significantly toward Benin's health goals, save many lives and create opportunity and prosperity for many more people in the country.
In partnership with the Government of Benin, programs supported by the Global Fund have provided 26,000 people with antiretroviral therapy for HIV, treated 22,400 people for tuberculosis, and distributed 6 million insecticide-treated nets to protect families from malaria.
In his statement, President Talon said a strong Global Fund's replenishment will save many lives and help fast-track Africa's economic progress.