The new Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), Dr Mark Dybul, visited AusAID this week to meet with staff, including Director General Peter Baxter and Australia's Ambassador for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, James Gilling.
AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria are three of the leading causes of death and disability in developing countries. In 2011 alone, these diseases claimed around 3.7 million lives: 1.7 million AIDS-related deaths, 1.4 million TB-related deaths, and 660,000 malaria-related deaths. The health burden associated with these three diseases remains substantial in the Asia-Pacific region and is a major obstacle to development in many countries.
The Global Fund is a key partner for Australia in combatting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in our region. The Global Fund provides about 80 per cent of international funding to tackle TB, 50 per cent for malaria and around 20 per cent for HIV and AIDS. It also funds health systems strengthening, which is extremely important in achieving better outcomes against these three diseases. At present, 23 per cent of Global Fund financing goes to Asia and the Pacific, resulting in:
- 500,000 people receiving HIV treatment
- treatment of 6.6 million cases of tuberculosis
- distribution of 46 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to help prevent malaria
Australia is a strong supporter of the Global Fund, contributing $310 million since 2004.
During his visit, Dr Dybul described the Global Fund's future activities and priorities, including a new funding model. This model aims to simplify the grant awarding process and provide countries with more flexibility around when they can apply for funds, and more predictability of funding available to treat and prevent HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria. AusAID is working closely with the Global Fund to ensure that the new funding model will meet the needs of our priority countries.
Dr Dybul has extensive experience in as an immunologist, administrator, teacher and leader. He was the former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, with the rank of Ambassador, and head of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
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