Hello from Friends! Here is a quick look at what's new in our work to fight AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in the age of COVID-19.
World AIDS Day at the White House; President Biden Says He is Looking Forward to Hosting the Global Fund's Seventh Replenishment
On World AIDS Day, the White House hosted an event with leaders in the global AIDS fight, including: Peter Sands of the Global Fund, Dr. John Nkengasong of Africa C.D.C. and Winnie Byanyima of UNAIDS.

President Biden shared remarks: "This year marks 20 years of the Global Fund, and the U.S. is proud to be both a founding member of the Fund and the largest contributor. The U.S. is looking forward to hosting the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference next year." 

World AIDS Day continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support. Members of Congress including Rep. Barbara Lee, Sen. Jerry Moran Rep. Gregory Meeks and Rep. Don Young praised the impact of U.S. investments in the Global Fund and PEPFAR.

Resources on the Global Fund's Role in Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Friends has released a new infographic detailing the Global Fund’s current work in pandemic preparedness and response and areas where it is well positioned to expand these activities with additional resources.
In addition, our President and CEO Chris Collins co-authored a new op-ed: "Build on HIV investments for future pandemic preparedness" published in BMJ Global Health.

Decision-makers must harness the lessons of the HIV response to build up pandemic preparedness and response and everyday health services. Read the full BMJ piece here.
WHO World Malaria Report 2021:
COVID-19 Disruptions Lead to Increases in
Malaria Infections and Deaths
On December 6, WHO released the World Malaria Report 2021. The report provides an updated assessment of trends in malaria control and elimination across the world. Below are some highlights:

  • Two-thirds (47,000 people) of all additional malaria deaths can be tied to COVID--related disruptions
  • Overall, there was a 12% increase in malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa
  • 23 countries reached 3 consecutive years of zero malaria cases since 2000 and 12 countries certified malaria-free by WHO since 2000 (El Salvador and China achieved certification during the pandemic)
Webinar Tomorrow: The Global Fund in the COVID-19 Era, Views from Local Civil Society
Tomorrow we will host a webinar in coordination with Friends of the Global Fund Europe and Friends of the Global Fund Japan. The discussion will feature civil society leaders from Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi and Cambodia– all of whom can speak to the Global Fund's impact on HIV, TB and malaria, its COVID-19 response and how it engages with civil society partners in implementing countries.
 
  • Olivia Ngou, Impact Santé Afrique and Civil Society for Malaria Elimination (Cameroon; Moderator) 

  • Cecilia Senoo, Hope for Future Generations (Ghana)
 
  • Grace Ngulube, Youth-HealthConnect360 (Malawi)
 
  • Choub Sok Chamreun, KHANA (Cambodia)

Executive Director of Fund for the Global Fund Emina Rye-Florentz will introduce the panelists and our Chief Policy Officer Mark Lagon will provide concluding remarks.
Private Sector & Faith Community Urge President Biden to Lead the Global Fund's 7th Replenishment with Bold Pledge
25 global companies including Coca-Cola, Mastercard and Johnson & Johnson sent a letter to President Biden to urge the White House to offer strong leadership in the Global Fund's seventh replenishment. In addition, these companies thanked the President and the Secretary of State for announcing that the United States will host the Global Fund’s seventh replenishment next year.

A diverse coalition of over 25 faith leaders echoed this advocacy message from the private sector. Below, is an excerpt:

  • "The United States leading by example with an early and bold pledge of one third of the Global Fund’s replenishment goal (as past Administrations have pledged), along with hosting replenishment, is the most effective way to leverage contributions from other donors.”
UPDATE: The Global Fund's Response to COVID-19
With U.S. and other donor support, the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism is strengthening national COVID-19 responses while protecting life-saving AIDS, TB and malaria programs.
Read the latest story of impact: Zimbabwe is using the Global Fund’s COVID-19 grants to strengthen programs to address gender-based violence which has increased during COVID-lockdowns.
How COVID-19 is Affecting AIDS, TB and Malaria
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a serious impact on the most vulnerable communities worldwide and threatens progress on HIV, TB, malaria, vaccination and other areas of health.
AIDS: Laurie Garrett: How HIV and COVID-19 Variants Are Connected (Foreign Policy)
Tuberculosis: "She Didn’t Deserve to Die": Kenya Fights Tuberculosis in Covid’s Shadow (Guardian) 
Malaria: More People Died of Malaria in 2020 than in 2019. Here's Why (NPR)
We're tracking the intersection of COVID-19 and AIDS, TB and malaria. See regular updates on our website.
Global Health News

  • Omicron Drives New Urgency for Global Pandemic Treaty (Politico)

  • What Can One Life Tell Us About the Battle Against H.I.V.? (New York Times)
Be sure to check www.theglobalfight.org for the latest. Thanks for your support.
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