FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2022
Statement from Health GAP Executive Director Asia Russell on the Seventh Replenishment Conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
“The world was watching for success at today’s seventh replenishment conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Instead, they got a C+ effort that delivered a paltry 79% of the funding pledges needed, just $14.25 billion of the $18 billion required to help put the global pandemic responses on track. While several lower-income countries showed up today and pledged funds – some for the very first time – other higher-income countries are still not committing their fair shares, putting the replenishment conference on track to miss its target. In particular, Italy and the United Kingdom’s shameful punts, showing up today with words instead of funds, are an insult to the millions of people around the world who still lack access to lifesaving treatment as well as testing, prevention, and care for HIV, TB, malaria, and COVID-19. Ceremonies and speeches don’t save lives, funding to buy medicines, commodities, and tests does. Countries still have time to increase their pledges to match the growing global need. It’s time the world actually showed up.”
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