Donor countries, private foundations, corporations and individuals meeting at the United Nations have pledged over $11.5 billion in new funding over the next three years for the global partnership to fight three killer diseases – HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

“At a time when so many Governments are tightening their belts, these commitments send a powerful message. It shows that many world leaders want to do the right thing beyond their borders, too,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who chaired the two-day replenishment meeting for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

“However, the demand for funding will outstrip even the important commitments made today. That means we must continue to mobilize more resources, more will, more quickly,” he noted at a news conference at UN Headquarters after the meeting concluded.

“This work is not just about replenishing the fund; it is about replenishing hope and dignity in people’s lives,” he added.

Over the past eight years, programmes supported by the Global Fund have saved an estimated 5.7 million lives, provided AIDS treatment for 2.8 million people and TB treatment for 7 million people, and distributed 122 million bed nets to prevent malaria.

Read More here

Related posts:

1. UN-backed ‘clean stove’ initiative to save lives and heal environment
2. UN launches $40bn woman and child health plan
3. More nations sign on to UN-backed initiative to end use of child soldiers
4. Molecule ‘aids breast cancer hope’ say scientists
5. With events large and small, UN observes Day of Peace worldwide