U.S. investment in the Global Fund and Global Health
In 2002, the United States joined with countries across the world to create the Global Fund, a 21st century public-private partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria as epidemics. The Global Fund has helped achieve extraordinary progress in the fight against these deadly diseases.
Global health programming has expanded significantly over the last two decades, with the U.S. playing a leadership role. The impact of global health investments has been startling. A remarkable progress has brought us to a tipping point in efforts to end AIDS, TB and malaria as epidemics for good, but there is a real possibility of backsliding without steady investment to reach the finish line. Now is the time to invest to end these epidemics for good, or risk losing the crucial gains made to date.
The Global Fund represents a new kind of funding approach that is transparent, results-oriented, and builds country ownership for the future. As the world's largest public health financier, the Global Fund has zero tolerance for corruption or fraud. Transparency and accountability are an integral part of Global Fund operations, from the grant-making and procurement processes to the comprehensive financial data provided on the partnership's website.
Delivering innovations in technology and programming by supporting the development of new technologies, the Global Fund is helping to change the way global health programs work. The eMpower mobile app, for example, was developed as part of a collaboration among the Global Fund, IBM and HIV organizations to assist community outreach workers. By replacing paper reports with the app, the Global Fund has been able to speed up patient reporting for more than 1 million people in treatment and prevention programs. Due to the early success of the app, IBM and the Global fund are looking to identify other uses for it in the future.
The Global Fund is working closely with the private sector to bring corporate best practices to global health systems, streamlining processes to increase access to crucial medicines and supplies. For example, the Global Fund recently shared details on its successful partnership with the Coca-Cola Company. The Global Fund is partnering with Coca-Cola, USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Project Last Mile. This project helps African governments connect the dots among logistical challenges, from supply chain management to proper refrigeration and storage of essential medicines. After all, if people can easily access a bottle of Coke, shouldn't they be able to access lifesaving medicines as well? Previously, medicines were only making it to 500 health facilities. Now, nearly 20 million people — nearly half the population of Tanzania — have access to those facilities. This public-private partnership shows just how many lives can be changed for the better with increased access to medicines.
The health gains associated with global health investments translate into profound economic returns in the form of averted future medical costs, enhanced productivity, and improved outcomes for children and future generations. Malaria-free countries have five times greater economic growth than countries with malaria, and every dollar invested in malaria control yields $40 in economic returns ($60 in sub-Saharan Africa). Every dollar spent on TB generates $30 through improved health and increased productivity.
The Global Fund is a proven, innovative and dynamic mechanism to drive the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria forward. By saving the lives of millions of men, women and children every year, the Global Fund partnership is one of the best strategic investments we can make in American security and prosperity.