UN Foundation President & CEO Kathy Calvin: Historic commitments to the Global Fund reflect critical moment in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria

United Nations Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin today issued the following statement regarding the more than $12 billion in new commitments made this week during the Replenishment Meeting for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“Today’s renewed commitments to the Global Fund signify the importance of global partnership in the worldwide fight against AIDS, TB and malaria. The international and domestic investments serve as a reminder that governments, civil society, and the private sector must share the responsibility and be held accountable to deliver on the promises made.

“Since 2002, the UN Foundation has worked in close partnership with the Global Fund and has seen that through strong leadership and shared responsibility, advancements in solutions to combat these epidemics have improved greatly. The continued support for innovative solutions will allow countries to scale up these programs and reach more people.

“It is important to note that the commitments made today mark an historic turning point in the fight against these diseases. As the world continues to work toward reaching the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, the more than $12 billion committed by donors signals that the transformative work to rid the world of AIDS, TB and malaria will not stop at the MDG deadline. Partners involved in advancing scientific, epidemiologic, and implementation solutions will have the support to continue their groundbreaking work, thanks to the support of advocates around the world, from basketball players to bishops, from millionaires to moms, who lend their voices to Global Fund Friends groups in the U.S. and around the globe.

“Since the Global Fund’s inception it has dedicated its effort to reach the most vulnerable populations. Our collective effort is resulting in the largest financial pledges ever made in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria, ensuring that treatment and prevention programs reach all groups in low- and middle-income countries. The partner focus on reaching the most marginalized groups proves that the Global Fund’s mission to combat these diseases will also advance human rights worldwide.

“As a result of the Replenishment, we now have a unique opportunity to leverage the largest ever financial pledges made in HIV, TB and malaria to build a more stable, equal, and healthy global future.”

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About The United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.