GENEVA February 21, 2007- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria warmly welcomes the announcement by the U.S. government that it will contribute US$ 724 million for 2007.

The renewed commitment is the highest donation ever made by the U.S. to the Global Fund since its inception five years ago. It is also a challenge to others to increase donations because of the provision in American law that requires each $1 from the U.S. to be matched by $2 in contributions from other donors The 2007 amount is an increase of US $179 million or 33 percent over the U.S. contribution for 2006. With this new contribution, total U.S. financing for the Global Fund has now reached US$ 3 billion, which equals 29 percent of all paid-in contributions and firm pledges to date. The United States is by far the Global Fund’s largest single donor, although European Union member states together give more than half of the Fund’s support. A total of 51 countries are donors to the Global Fund, in addition to a number of private foundations, corporations and individuals.

“This significant new pledge to the Global Fund is a reaffirmation of U.S. leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,” said Sir Richard Feachem, Executive Director of the Global Fund, “These new resources will allow the Global Fund to build on its strong performance and will help 136 countries to reverse the spread of these terrible pandemics.”

The U.S. pledge comes as the Global Fund prepares for its second replenishment process, which will begin on 6 and 7 March with a meeting in Oslo hosted by the Norwegian government.

“This record contribution from the United States government will enable the Global Fund to save more lives through the current round of grant proposals,” said Dr Carol Jacobs, Chair of the Board of the Global Fund. “I want to recognize the unswerving commitment of the United States government in combating these three pandemics through its support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.”

The Global Fund works closely with U.S. initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria throughout the world - the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). Well-coordinated efforts in countries which are jointly supported ensure that the greatest possible impact is achieved through both U.S. initiatives and Global Fund resources. This collaboration includes financing complementary activities to minimize duplication as well as to ensure maximum impact on a national scale.

Tens of millions of people have already been reached with life saving services provided through the Global Fund. Global Fund partners have provided antiretroviral treatment to 770,000 people with HIV, treated two million people with effective tuberculosis medications and distributed 18 million insecticide-treated bed nets to protect children and families from malaria.

Source: The Global Fund