President Obama Announces Unprecedented Support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Administration Commits to Providing up to $5 Billion Over Next Three Years

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an address recognizing World AIDS Day, President Barack Obama announced today that the U.S. Administration will commit up to $5 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria over the next three years. Specifically, he said the United States will contribute $1 for every $2 provided by other donors worldwide through 2016, up to $5 billion. This marks a potential $1 billion increase from the Administration's previous pledge to the Global Fund for 2010-2013.

In a statement that reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to fighting the disease in the U.S. and across the globe, President Obama made clear that the U.S. will remain the global leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS. His remarks come as top government officials from around the world join leaders from the private sector in Washington, D.C., to announce three-year financial commitments to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This gathering, the Fourth Voluntary Replenishment of the Global Fund, kicks off a multiyear effort to raise funds for the world's largest public health financier and its lifesaving partnerships in more than 140 countries.

"I was thrilled to hear President Obama's remarks today. I applaud him, Secretary Kerry and the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator for hosting this replenishment meeting and maintaining a steadfast commitment to global health," said Deb Derrick, President of Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which advocates in the U.S. on behalf of the Global Fund. "The U.S. government has been the largest contributor to the Global Fund since it was established in 2002, lending bipartisan support and setting the tone for other donors worldwide. Today's announcement was a further illustration of this leadership."

The news was also a clear demonstration of U.S. confidence in the work of the Global Fund and an acknowledgment of the important role it plays in reaching the goal of controlling these deadly, yet treatable, diseases — especially in a challenging global economic environment. "The Global Fund's success speaks for itself," said President Obama. He encouraged other countries to respond to the challenge of the 2-to-1 match to unlock the full $5 billion in the coming years.

The United Kingdom has already committed approximately $1.6 billion to the Global Fund for its replenishment effort, and several Nordic countries pledged a combined $750 million. Canada pledged $650 million, an increase of $110 million over the 2010-2013 period. Implementing countries have pledged resources as well, responding to the need for mutual accountability and shared responsibility. The Republic of Korea — a Global Fund grantee as well as a donor — doubled its commitment, pledging $6 million over the next three years. At today's event, Secretary of State John Kerry said he was encouraged by such increased domestic investments.

In recognition that existing donor governments cannot fund this battle alone, the private sector has also pledged support in recent weeks, with Indonesia's Tahir Foundation committing $65 million over five years — an amount matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Chevron also announced an additional $5 million over two years.

The Global Fund is the world's largest public health financier. It approved $3.3 billion in new funding for partners throughout the world last year in support of large-scale treatment, prevention and care programs, saving 100,000 lives each month. It delivers the majority of international funding for tuberculosis, more than 50 percent of international funding for malaria and more than 20 percent for global AIDS relief.

"Today's strong show of support serves as a great call to action," said Ms. Derrick. "In the years ahead, the Global Fund will deepen its work with governments, encourage increased private sector investments and domestic co-financing, and engage with younger generations to ensure treatment and care continue to reach those most in need. Together, not only can we control these diseases, we can extend better health for all members of our human family."

FRIENDS OF THE GLOBAL FIGHT

Friends of the Global Fight works to educate, engage and mobilize American decision makers in the fight to end the worldwide burden of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. By focusing these efforts on decision makers in Washington, Friends seeks to build a sustained commitment to supporting the Global Fund and the fight against the three diseases. For more information about Friends of the Global Fight, visit www.theglobalfight.org.

SOURCE Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria