Denmark Increases Pledge in Fight Against Epidemics
07 October 2019
COPENHAGEN – The Global Fund thanked Denmark for its strong commitment to the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria with a new pledge of DKK350 million – a 16.6% increase over the previous period.
Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation Rasmus Prehn reiterated Denmark’s commitment to invest with the Global Fund to reach the most vulnerable.
“HIV, tuberculosis and malaria are the most deadly diseases globally, and while we see progress in many areas, some people are still being left behind – not least women and girls,” said Prehn. “To reach the SDGs we must leave no one behind. Denmark is a strong supporter of the Global Fund and its work to reach key populations and ensure prevention and treatment of those who are often forgotten in the fight against communicable diseases.”
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, commended Denmark’s contributions in global health.
“Denmark’s human rights-based approach in international development is fundamental in the fight to end epidemics and achieve health for all,” said Sands. “We thank the Danish people for their commitment.”
Denmark is the 14th largest public donor to the Global Fund. The new pledge is equivalent to around US$51 million, based on current exchange rates.
Denmark is a leader in international efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, including the fight against HIV and AIDS. With a strong focus on fighting poverty and fostering stability and equality, Denmark plays a strong role in enhancing sustainable growth and development.
The right to health for all is a cornerstone of Denmark’s development policy, and the Global Fund is a key partner for Denmark in promoting and protecting human rights and gender equality, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health.
Last month, the Global Fund announced that its partnership has saved more than 32 million lives, and provided prevention, treatment and care services to hundreds of millions of people, helping to revitalize communities, strengthen local health systems and improve economies.
French President Emmanuel Macron will host the Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment pledging conference in Lyon, France, on 9-10 October 2019. Minister Prehn will represent Denmark in the conference. The Global Fund has set a target for raising at least US$14 billion for the three-year cycle of funding. A successful Sixth Replenishment will help the Global Fund partnership save 16 million lives, cut the mortality rate from HIV, TB and malaria in half, and build stronger health systems by 2023. In addition, every US dollar invested in the Global Fund will have a return in broader economic gains of US$19.
Photo: Flickr / Jorge Franganillo