Hello from Friends! Here is a quick look at what's new in our work to fight AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.

New Report: Putting People at the Center of Pandemic Preparedness

Our new report, Putting People at the Center of Pandemic Preparedness, focuses on the critical role that people play in fighting the diseases of today while building preparedness capacity for the pandemics of tomorrow. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Technical solutions on their own will not fully prepare us for future pandemics. In responding to pandemics, people are critical. 

• The best way to prepare for future pandemics is to build robust, resilient health systems capable of meeting current health challenges. Watch our new video to learn about the different components of a health system. 

• Pandemic preparedness requires investment in people at several levels, communties and the healthcare workforce. 

Infographic: Life Expectancy Gains in African Countries Demonstrate Global Fund’s Impact

In the early 2000’s during the peak of the global AIDS crisis, lifespans were plummeting in the hardest-hit countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Over two decades later, seven sub-Saharan African countries have made incredible progress in increasing their life expectancies. Thanks in large part to the Global Fund’s HIV, tuberculosis and malaria programs, millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa are living longer.

The Global Fund’s Partnership

with Faith Based-Organizations:

An Interview with the Archbishop of Brazzaville

As of April, the Global Fund had awarded more than $2.18 billion in grants to faith-based organizations. In a recent Q&A, Catholic Relief Services interviewed Archbishop of Brazzaville Mgr Manamika about the Global Fund’s partnership with faith-based organizations in the Republic of the Congo.

• "As religious leaders, our duty is to advocate in our churches, in schools, in communities, in the streets, and everywhere we can to let communities know that malaria is a serious but curable disease."

This Pride month, we celebrate the impact of the Global Fund's Breaking Down Barriers program which partners with community-based organizations in over twenty countries to overcome human rights-related barriers to health services.

However, a recent surge of anti-LGBTQ discrimination in countries like Uganda threatens hard-won progress reaching marginalized and vulnerable communities in the fight against HIV. In a joint statement, Peter Sands of the Global Fund, Winnie Byanyima of UNAIDS and Ambassador John Nkengasong of PEPFAR condemned the anti-LGBTQ law recently passed in Uganda.

• "Uganda’s progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat."

U.S. policymakers including Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) also expressed concern over Uganda's draconian anti-LGBTQ law.

Senate Testimony by Friends President & CEO Chris Collins in Support of the Global Fund (Friends)

In written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, President & CEO Chris Collins urged the committee to continue its support for a robust investment in the Global Fund for fiscal year 2024.

• "There are few investments with such clear and justified returns to the American public, to marginalized people around the globe, and to a safer, more prosperous world."

• Peter Sands: It’s Time To Overcome Gender Inequality In The Fight Against HIV (Forbes)

• Belize Declared Free from Malaria by Health Chiefs (BBC)

• Global Oxygen Alliance Launched to Boost Access to Lifesaving Oxygen (Global Fund)

• PEPFAR: 20 Years of Progress, Partnership, and Impact (Bipartisan Policy Center)

• A Turning Point on Climate Change and Health (Think Global Health)