HealthWatch
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
By Horst Rutsch
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| This letter was sent to heads of States of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom—all existing donors to the Global Fund—asking each of them for a further contribution of $5.3 million by the deadline of 30 September 2004, to make up the outstanding amount of $53 million. |
We are writing to ask for your help. As you know, the creation of the Global Fund has brought hope to those fighting against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria—diseases that can be both prevented and treated yet which claim six million lives each year. Your unwavering leadership and the United Kingdom's support of the Global Fund remain paramount to its success.
In 2004, the United States has pledged up to US$ 547 million for the Global Fund, so long as every US$ 1 is matched by US$ 2 from other donors by September 30. Beyond the sum of current pledges, which are now almost all fully paid, we are US$ 53 million short of the amount the Global Fund needs to maximize the United States allocation. Given the needs the Global Fund faces, both this year and next, and given the leverage potential of US$ 1 for every additional US$ 2 that can be pledged and contributed in the current window of opportunity, we are appealing to you and nine other donors to help us bridge this gap—each with a contribution of US $5.3 million by the deadline of September 30th.
We understand that this is no small request, given your previous commitments to the Global Fund, to bilateral AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria programmes, and other development initiatives that the United Kingdom so generously supports. We do not of course wish to take funds away from development programs already in your aid budget. Nevertheless, we do hope you can find a way to provide additional funds to ensure that the US can pay in its full amount, and keep future fundraising momentum high.
In less than three years, the Global Fund has raised, granted and disbursed historic levels of funding, providing hope to millions and invigorating public and private partners alike to invest more in the fight. It is just one mechanism, but there are encouraging signs that the Global Fund is making the difference we envisioned—however it is not currently enough to keep pace with the devastation of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. That is why the challenge before us today is so great, and why we need your help.
With very best regards and great respect,
Bono Nelson Mandela
Debt AIDS Trade Africa Nelson Mandela Foundation
Jack Valenti
Friends of the Global Fight
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| © WHO photo/P. Virot | |
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