Global Fund Welcomes Germany’s Increased Contribution

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GENEVA – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria warmly welcomed a decision by the German parliament to increase Germany’s contribution to €245 million for 2014 in the budget for this year, reaffirming a strong commitment to global health.

At the launch of the Global Fund’s Fourth Replenishment last December, Germany had already announced a pledge of €200 million for this year as part of a total commitment of €600 million for the 2014-2016 period. By signing a Multi-Year Contribution Agreement that same month, Germany was able to provide the Global Fund with a predictable flow of resources to fight the three diseases.

With the 2014 budget now taking effect after its passage by parliament and signed into law by Federal President Joachim Gauck, the additional sum of €45 million can be added to the overall German contribution, representing an increase of more than 20 percent for 2014.

On top of that, the German contribution unlocks about US$30 million in additional contribution from the United States, which devised its pledge in a way that partially matches additional contributions by other donors.

“We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support the German people have shown in the fight against these deadly diseases from the very early days,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “The continuous commitment of our German partners will allow us to save millions of lives and reach the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.”

Donor pledges at the launch of the Global Fund’s Fourth Replenishment in Washington D.C. on 3 December 2013 totalled US$12.0 billion for 2014-16. The German contribution, combined with the matching funds, lifts that total to over US$12.28 billion, the largest amount ever committed to fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Since the creation of the Global Fund in 2002, Germany has contributed more than US$2 billion to the Global Fund, and is one of the leading donors.

More recently, Germany has been a strong supporter of the Global Fund’s refocused efforts on financial and risk management. Together with the other G7 leaders on 5 June 2014, Germany also reaffirmed its commitment to an AIDS free generation and to the Global Fund to reduce the burden of these three major infectious diseases on eligible countries and regions.

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The Global Fund is a 21st-century organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics.

As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 140 countries. By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, partners are working together to end these epidemics.