March 25, 2024
Washington, DC – Friends welcomes the allocation of $1.65 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as a one-year reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the second congressional spending package for fiscal year 2024 passed by both houses of Congress.
“A very big thank you to House State, Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Chair Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Rep. Barbara Lee, Senate SFOPS Chair Senator Chris Coons and Ranking Member Senator Lindsay Graham for their generous support of the Global Fund’s immense impact,” said Chris Collins, president and CEO of Friends of the Global Fight. “This funding level is consistent with the U.S. pledge at the last Global Fund financing conference and the maximum allowable contribution given donor match requirements.”
U.S. funding for the Global Fund cannot exceed one-third of total contributions from all donors, and it serves as a matching challenge for other countries.
After negotiations on PEPFAR reauthorization stalled last fall, Collins said he was pleased to see the program reauthorized in this spending package, though only for one year.
“We need a full five-year reauthorization to ensure that all aspects of this life-saving program can continue without interruption and that we send a clear message of sustained U.S. commitment to the world,” Collins continued. “We will work with the broad array of many bipartisan supporters in and out of government to achieve a five-year reauthorization next year.”
Jeffrey L. Sturchio, Friends’ Board chair and past chairman and CEO of Rabin Martin, a global health impact consultancy, also emphasized that a five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR was “crucial” and said that the $1.65 billion for the Global Fund would have a tangible impact in countries around the world.
“This funding will save 1.9 million lives and avert 41.8 million AIDS, TB and malaria infections,” Sturchio said. “It means that 2.6 million people will receive antiretroviral treatment, 125.8 million mosquito nets will be distributed and 30.1 million people will be screened for TB. We are grateful to Congress for its persistent, bipartisan efforts to end the three epidemics.”
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ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA:
Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria advocates for U.S. support of the Global Fund, and the goal to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. For more information about Friends of the Global Fight, visit www.theglobalfight.org.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL FUND:
The Global Fund is a partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. As an international organization, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests more than US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 100 countries. In partnership with governments, civil society, technical agencies, the private sector, faith-based organizations and people affected by the diseases, we are challenging barriers and embracing innovation. Learn more at https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/overview.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Irwin