Civil Society Calls for the Netherlands to Step up Contributions to the Global Fund
Date: 18.03.09
The Hague, March 12th 2009. Today, Dutch civil society organisations have called upon the Netherlands to continue and step up its financial commitments to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund, which was established in 2001 by the G8 countries, has consistently demonstrated impressive progress in fighting the three target diseases by implementing proven and effective approaches to prevention and treatment across the world. The task now is to increase the scope and reach of this work. A renewed commitment to funding from countries like the Netherlands will enable the Global Fund to extend its fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and, at the same time, strengthen national health systems. Furthermore, the Netherlands is playing an increasingly active role in the Global Fund’s strategy, which means that we can ensure effective spending and quality maintenance.
In 2008 applications to the Global Fund from developing countries increased 2.5 times on 2007. Only those requests that meet the strictest qualitative requirements are given the stamp of approval by the fund. In the light of a significant increase in viable and high-quality applications from developing countries, the budget for 2008-2010 is no longer sufficient. Only US$3 billion are available for the period up to 2010, whereas an estimated $8 billion is needed to meet all funding demands and to finance new programmes.
The urgent need for increased commitment to funding was highlighted at a conference entitled ‘Scaling-up for Health: Ways to Make it Work’, which was held on March 12 in Clingendeal, the Dutch Institute for International Relations in The Hague. Michel Kazatchkine, Director of the Global Fund and former AIDS-Ambassador for France, presented his organisation’s recent results to the assembled politicians, NGO representatives and business people. He also discussed new financing opportunities that could enable a wider and more effective response to epidemics across the world.
In their presentation, the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation provided insight into how they supported the Kenyan Ministry of Public Health for over 25 years and equipped the Kenyan government to contribute to its own capacity and planning. International Civil Society Support emphasised that investments made via the Global Fund are crucial in mobilising civil society organisations to fight against the three diseases and help the most vulnerable groups.
Rational and cost-effective use of resources is always a priority, particularly in the context of the current financial crisis. The results that the Global Fund has consistently demonstrated in recent years and its effective financing model are the best assurances that funds will be used efficiently and meaningfully. Renewed commitment is required to fully exploit the capacity that exists already and to extend successful programmes. Based on a precise evaluation of the needs and implementation capacities of developing countries, the Global Fund aims to attract an additional US$5 billion in the period up to 2010.
The following organisations have pledged their support to this appeal to the government of the Netherlands:
• Aids Fonds
• AIDS Foundation East-West (AFEW)
• Cordaid
• International Civil Society Support
• KNCV Tuberculoses Foundation
• Stop Aids Now!
About the Global Fund
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria provides 60% of all funding for tuberculosis and malaria programmes worldwide, and a quarter of all funding for HIV/AIDS programmes. That makes the fund one of the single most important players in international health. The Global Fund is committed to performance-based financial support, i.e. based on realistic, verifiable plans and clear results. Developing countries set their own priorities and submit their applications in line with these requirements.
Since its founding in 2002, the Global Fund has achieved impressive results:
• Two million people have been treated with ARV medicines;
• 4.6 million people have been treated for tuberculosis;
• 70 million mosquito nets have been distributed to prevent malaria;
• In several African countries sickness and mortality through malaria have been halved;
• The number of new tuberculosis infections are falling worldwide, mainly because of successful programmes in India, China and Indonesia;
• AIDS mortality among the working population is decreasing in several African countries.
More information about the Global Fund can be found at: www.theglobalfund.org