The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to host the next Global Fund replenishment conference in France next year.
The aim of the Global Fund replenishment conference is to raise funds and mobilise partners toward ending AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030 in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
It is held once every three years and sees leaders gather from governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities affected by three of the most devastating infectious diseases.
“Demonstrating great leadership”
France is the second largest donor to the Global Fund, having committed more than €4.2bn to the organisation since 2002. The country has played a significant role in scientific research, promoting human rights and serving people affected by AIDS, TB and malaria.
This will be the first time that it has hosted the conference.
Executive director of the Global Fund Peter Sands commented: “As one of the founding partners of the Global Fund, France is demonstrating great leadership and sustained commitment in global health.
“We are extremely grateful to President Macron for leading efforts to renew and expand our impact, to the benefit of millions of people.”
Infectious disease a major challenge
France said in its announcement that infectious diseases remain a major challenge for global health, with dramatic human and economic consequences, especially for those living in low income countries.
The announcement said: “It is therefore crucial that the international community does not relax its efforts and remains mobilised at the highest level.”
Health being a policy priority
The Global Fund replenishment conference in 2019 will be the sixth one and is expected to focus on raising funds for the 2020-2022 period.
According to France’s announcement, Macron’s decision to host the conference signals the country’s strong engagement in international development, repositioning health as a priority of French development policy.
Source: The Global Fund
