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The 50th Board of Directors Meeting
GENEVA – The Board of Directors of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria convened their 50th meeting this week in Geneva, Switzerland. Two months after the release of the Global Fund’s Results Report, Board members commended the unprecedented progress made in combating the three diseases in 2022 and the substantial investments made to strengthen health systems worldwide, including the reallocation of funds from the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism.
However, they expressed concern that the increasing challenges posed by climate change, conflict, and the erosion of human rights will undermine the ability to collaborate effectively in ending these three diseases by 2030.
Challenges and difficulties
Ms. Roslyn Morauta
“Faced with conflict crises, the Global Fund’s partnership must rely on the resilience and agility that have underpinned our success to date. To realign with global targets, the Global Fund will continue to promote meaningful engagement of civil society and communities to strengthen our inclusive, country-led governance model.”
“The world is in turmoil,” acknowledged Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands in his update to the Board. “Yet, we continue to deliver extraordinary impact. Significant increases in life expectancy across much of Africa, steep declines in infection and mortality rates from these three diseases, and substantial improvements in the capacity of health systems in many low- and middle-income countries are largely attributable to the efforts of this organization. This is the result of the Global Fund’s partnership.”
Mr. Peter Sands
The issue of climate change
A few days before COP28 – where, for the first time, the impact of climate change on health will be addressed – Board members noted that climate disasters disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries with high disease burdens, weak health systems, and fragile political or conflict settings, placing communities – who contribute the least to global carbon emissions – at risk. They committed to supporting actions across the partnership to adapt programs to the impacts of climate change, build climate-resilient health systems, and respond to climate-related disasters.
The Board noted that addressing climate change is a critical part of the Global Fund’s Strategy, with over 70% of the Global Fund’s resources currently supporting the 50 most climate-vulnerable countries. Additionally, 87% of both the global malaria burden and the Global Fund’s allocations for malaria are in these climate-vulnerable countries.
The Global Fund on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
Recognizing the significant recent successes in improving the accessibility and affordability of life-saving HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria products, the Board commended the strategic role of the Global Fund, technical partners, the private sector, and civil society in shaping the market. They committed to supporting the successful implementation of the Global Fund’s NextGen Market Shaping Strategy to further accelerate the large-scale introduction of more effective health products, enhance value for money, and support the implementation of the Strategy and universal health coverage.
The Global Fund on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
As countries prepare to deploy new funding in January 2024, Council members deliberated on several themes related to the Global Fund’s sustainable policies, transition, and co-financing. Recognizing financial constraints in many countries, the Council expressed support for further exploration of innovative financing sources by approving the Global Fund’s updated approach to blended finance. This will enable the Global Fund to consider additional blended finance partners, beyond the World Bank, to enhance funding for health systems and national disease response measures aligned with the Global Fund’s Strategic objectives, with the ambition outlined to unlock an additional $300 million investment from the United States.
The Global Fund on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
Furthermore, electoral regions within the Council responded positively to the Global Fund’s proposed approach to enhancing co-financing for the three diseases, focusing on national ownership and data quality, while providing practical approaches to macro-financial challenges.
The Council also approved the operational budget for 2024 to expedite the implementation of the Global Fund’s core programs in line with the agreed three-year funding cycle.
The Global Fund on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
The meeting concluded with good news from Luxembourg, as the country announced a new contribution of 750,000 euros, raising Luxembourg’s total commitment for the period 2023-2025 to 15.45 million euros, a 70% increase from their previous contribution.
During the three-day meeting, the Council expressed recognition and praise for the diligent work, professionalism, commitment, and achievements of both domestic partners and staff at the Global Fund Secretariat.