For the next three years, pledges from private donors and innovative financing initiatives for Global Fund will reach $250 million, which is twice as much commitment made in the previous period. 

The announcement was made at the launch of a two-day Global Fund’s Fifth Replenishment conference in Canada that ended on Saturday.

Leaders from around the world gathered to show commitment towards ending epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian minister for international development, called on partners to work together during the course of this new replenishment period.

"In working closely with our partners, we have taken great strides towards helping the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. As we mark the beginning of the new replenishment period, Canada looks forward to working even more closely with our partners to improve human rights, achieve gender equality and end these epidemics by 2030,” she said.

(RED), the organisation founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver that engages businesses and fighting against AIDS in Africa, pledged a further $100 million over the next three years to support the work of the Global Fund.

"Together, with (RED)’s partners, we are more committed than ever to raising the money and awareness needed to finally end AIDS. Our pledge underscores the bold commitments of our partners and supporters over the last decade, and the important role that the private sector plays in this fight,” said Deborah Dugan, chief executive of (RED).

Kevin Cahill, chief executive of Comic Relief which pledged $12.75 million, combining funds raised during its Sport Relief campaign in the UK, and Red Nose Day in the United States, with matching funds by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation expressed commitment in fighting killer diseases.

"Comic Relief is committed to the fight against HIV, TB and malaria and, thanks to the generosity of the people who support our campaigns in the UK and US, we are delighted to be able to make this pledge,” said Cahill.

David Sin, founder of Fullerton Health Foundation International, pledged $7.5 million over the next three years, in addition to in-kind contributions.

"Business partners all have a role to play in giving back to our communities, to support the end of epidemics and foster healthy populations. We are humbled and delighted to be able to do so with the Global Fund,” Sin said.

Several private sector partners have launched innovative initiatives to impart expertise and training to strengthen health systems and improve programme implementation, including Ecobank, Coca-Cola, SAP, and Munich RE.

The United Methodist Church, in partnership with the Global Fund, pledged $8 million for the next three years.

"Churches have presence and influence all over the world, even in the smallest, most remote villages where roads or electricity are scarce. We are committed to encouraging these communities to support the Global Fund and national efforts to fight the diseases of poverty,” said Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, Chair of the United Methodist Global Health Initiative.

A recent report by the Global fund shows that since 2002, the number of people dying from HIV, TB and malaria in countries where it invests declined. Overall 20 million lives were saved and on track to reach 22 million lives by the end of this year.

On course for a disease free Africa

Rwanda is part of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) that was founded in 2009 to support the work of the Global Fund in fighting malaria.

Under this umbrella, 49 African Heads of State and government working across country and regional borders to achieve a malaria-free Africa by 2030.

In a statement on the replenishment for the Global Fund, Joy Phumaphi, the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), expressed optimism in the commitment made by African leaders towards ending the three diseases.

"Leaders from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to the Global Fund to end the three devastating diseases. Since the Global Fund works in partnership with African countries as countries commit more of their own resources to the fight against malaria they are importing in ending this disease,” she said.

Phumaphi further commended Rwanda’s leadership for its efforts in the fight against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. 

"We equally commend Rwanda for their leadership and for taking ownership and demonstrating commitment to winning the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,” added Phumaphi.

To-date, 9.2 million people are on antiretroviral treatment for HIV, 15.1 million people have received TB treatment, 659 million mosquito nets distributed through programmes for malaria and 146 million infections averted across HIV, TB and malaria through Global Fund investments

editorial@newtimes.co.rw