In September 2022 the US hosted a “pledging conference” for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This raised a total of more than $14.25 billion for work over the coming 3 years. The conference united 45 countries as well as private sector companies. A statement from The Global Fund suggested that the intention for this support is to “save 20 million lives, avert 450 million infections, and bring new hope for ending AIDS, TB, and malaria”.
A long campaign
The announcement from the Global Fund reflected that the “successful campaign” had started in February in a Preparatory Meeting hosted by 5 countries in Africa with a “long history of being strategic partners”. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa are “both implementers and donors”.
Earlier in 2022 the US committed to contribute $6 billion over 3 years. This is a 30% increase over the last Replenishment. Other “long-term public donors” increased by 30%; Canada pledged CAD$1.21 billion, the European Commission €715 million, Germany €1.3 billion, and Japan up to $1.08 billion. The United Kingdom, “currently the Global Fund’s third largest donor” restated support and a commitment to pledge in a few weeks.
The Global Fund’s statement described Korea’s “remarkable commitment” in quadrupling their pledge to $100 million. Kenya also increased its pledge by two-thirds to $10 million. The Fund also “welcomed 8 new and returning donors”: Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, Paraguay, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Private sector pledges
The statement also reflects a “new record of funding” from the private sector. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation led this with a 20% increase. A further 19 organisations and partners pledged an “unprecedented” total of over $1.23 billion.
“Along with further support from vital non-financial resources and innovative finance co-investment commitments, this extraordinary level of support is a true demonstration of the power of partnership.”
A full list of donors and pledges can be found on the Global Fund website.
Initial responses
Peter Sands is the Executive Director of the Global Fund. He credited President Joe Biden for delivering an “unparalleled mobilisation of resources for global health”. He is “extremely grateful” for the “generosity” of so many contributors.
“With the intersection of so many global crises, our donors understand that it is more important than ever to stop these deadly diseases and protect everyone”.
The Chair of the Global Fund Board, Dr Donald Kaberuka, opened the conference with “reason to celebrate”. He reflected that ‘science, leadership, and a critical mass of resources” could be united to conquer HIV, malaria, and TB. However, he identified COVID-19 as a “critical setback”. With revitalised efforts he hopes to “continue to aim for 2030 elimination”.
“This is the time to double down.”
Lady Roslyn Morauta, Vice-Chair of the Global Fund Board recognised the “partnership” that drives the success of the Fund. Its distinguishing feature, she believes, is a “commitment to put communities at the centre and advance health equity, by removing human rights and gender-related barriers”.
Bill Gates hopes that this “record-setting Replenishment” will enable the Fund and its partners to “save millions of lives and build sustainable health systems that can prevent future pandemics”. Javier Hourcade-Bellocq spoke on behalf of communities and civil society with “powerful remarks”. He celebrated the “50 million lives of people saved” as a “story of hope and story we should fight to keep alive”.
To hear how the vaccine community can contribute to these elimination goals at the World Vaccine Congress in Europe 2022 click here to get your tickets.
