Central African Republic Honors Global Fund with “Medal of Commandeur” for Lifesaving Work Against HIV, TB and Malaria
08 November 2024
GENEVA – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) received the medal of “Commandeur” of the Central African Republic Order of Merit on 16 October from Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, at Palais de la Renaissance in Bangui.
The prestigious distinction – one of the country’s highest honors – was awarded in recognition of the critical work achieved by the Global Fund to curb HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, strengthen health systems, and save lives in the Central African Republic.
“I have made improving the health of the Central African population one of my highest priorities, with a special focus on strengthening international partnerships in health, particularly with the Global Fund,” said Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic. “The Global Fund is a key partner in my agenda, which prioritizes the development of human capital, accelerating progress toward universal health coverage and the empowerment of women.”
“We are very honored by the magnificent decoration awarded to the Global Fund – a great privilege for our organization, but also a true symbol of recognition for the work and collective efforts of all those who contribute to the health and well-being of Central African people, from the communities to the donors and partners,” said Caty Fall Sow, Head of the Africa and Middle East Department, who received the award on behalf of the Global Fund. “We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of President Touadéra and Dr. Pierre Somse, Minister of Health and Population, to the health of the Central African population, which is at the core of the country’s economic development. In the face of challenges, we are confident that collaboration, alignment, optimization and accountability will support the achievement of our key objectives: integrated primary health care delivery; decentralization, digitalization and strengthening of the supply chain and laboratory network; and human resources for health.”
The Central African Republic and the Global Fund have been partners since 2003, with cumulative investments of more than US$418 million to date, achieving significant progress in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria, and in strengthening systems for health.
The Central African Republic is both an implementer of Global Fund-supported programs and a donor to the Global Fund. The country pledged US$1 million for the Global Fund's Seventh Replenishment, covering 2023-2025, demonstrating its commitment to alleviating the burden of the three diseases and building strong and resilient health systems.