HIV & AIDS
Tuberculosis
Malaria
Uniting to fight around the world
Countries using Global Fund support to fight COVID-19
The Global Fund / Karin Schermbrucker
COVID-19 threatens us all and puts the fight against HIV, TB and malaria at risk.
Around the world, people are uniting to fight. Health workers, governments, businesses, technical agencies, advocates and individuals are working together to continue the fight against infectious diseases and save lives. The Global Fund, the largest multilateral investor in grants for health systems worldwide, is providing immediate funding of up to US$1 billion to help countries fight COVID-19, mitigate the impact on lifesaving HIV, TB and malaria programs, and prevent fragile health systems from being overwhelmed.
Delivering HIV drugs and care to homes
Under strict lockdown and with soaring COVID-19 cases in India, outreach health workers are determined and continue to fulfill their mission of getting lifesaving HIV drugs to people living with the disease. Armed with special passes, they travel by ambulance, bicycle and on foot.
The Global Fund / Atul Loke / Panos
UNDP Sudan/Will Seal
Ensuring uninterrupted help for people living with HIV and TB
Working through fuel shortages, inflation and movement restrictions during COVID-19, the United Nations Development Programme procures and delivers essential HIV and TB medicines and supplies for Sudan’s most vulnerable. Through collaboration, quick action and support from the Global Fund partnership, thousands stay protected during the pandemic.
Moving mosquito nets by camel
The Niger National Malaria Control Program is delivering 8 million mosquito nets to families in 44 health districts, with the support from partners including the Global Fund and Catholic Relief Services. Health workers delivered nets door to door, avoiding crowds at pick-up points to reduce risk of COVID-19 infection. Camels helped reach some of the most remote regions.
CO “100% Life”
Sending HIV medication by post
COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on public transportation make it harder for many to get treatment. In Ukraine, the Global Fund is supporting an initiative organizing courier services to deliver medicines to the homes of people living with HIV.
Protecting mothers and babies from HIV
In northern Uganda, COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions on transport are a barrier to accessing health services for mothers and pregnant women living with HIV, putting them and their babies at risk. Workers are building the capacity of health facilities to deliver antiretroviral treatment and health services door to door.
AVSI Foundation in Uganda
Harnessing data to save lives
Through an innovative platform, health workers in Rwanda and Zambia have the tools to make informed decisions about health programs, match supply with demand, and monitor and fix potential disruptions during this critical period. The platform is a collaboration between the between the Global Fund, Zenysis Technologies and the ministries of health.
There's more
With personal protective equipment, radio broadcasts and innovative mosquito net campaigns, more Global Fund-supported countries are fighting COVID-19, shoring up health systems, and mitigating the impacts on lifesaving HIV, TB and malaria.
"The battle against infectious disease is not against one virus. It’s a commitment to keep everyone safe. It’s about winning the fight against HIV, TB and malaria. It’s about winning the fight against COVID-19. And above all, it’s about leaving no one behind. We must unite to fight."
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund
Immediate funding
Under the World Health Organization’s leadership, the Global Fund is using its experience working with partners and governments in more than 100 countries to coordinate our response on a massive global scale. The Global Fund’s response to the pandemic makes available up to US$1 billion through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and grant flexibilities.
COVID-19 Response Mechanism
Through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism, countries can access funding to reinforce the response to COVID-19, mitigate the impact of the pandemic on HIV, TB and malaria programs, and make urgent improvements in health and community systems. The mechanism has an initial allocation of US$500 million.
Grant flexibilities
Through grant flexibilities, countries can use up to 5% of existing Global Fund grants to fight COVID-19 and mitigate the impact the pandemic has on HIV, TB and malaria programs. Up to US$500 million is available through these grant savings and reprogramming.
The COVID-19 pandemic threatens us all and could destroy years of progress against HIV, TB and malaria. To defeat COVID-19, protect progress against HIV, TB and malaria, and save lives, we must unite to fight.
Learn more about our emergency response to COVID-19 and our part in global efforts:
Focus On COVID-19
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See our plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on countries affected by HIV, TB and malaria.
Published 21 July 2020