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.
A Strategy for Genuine Global Health Security

  • "It is time for a new approach to America’s global health leadership, one that builds on successes to date and reinforces programs that have earned bipartisan support. We need a strategy for true pandemic preparedness and genuine health security."

  • In The Hill, Friends President Chris Collins and Chief Policy Officer Mark Lagon describe how the Biden administration can pursue a world with genuine health security.
Friends Applauds Senate Appropriations Committee for Maintaining U.S. Contribution to the Global Fund
  • “Thank you Senator Graham and Senator Leahy, and the entire Senate Appropriations Committee, for your unwavering leadership and commitment to ending the deadly AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics,” said Chris Collins.

  • "If enacted, the $1.56 billion U.S. investment would have a huge impact, including buying more than 82 million mosquito nets to protect children and families from contracting malaria, lifesaving antiviral HIV treatment for nearly 3 million people and TB care and treatment for more than 2 million people,” said Friends Board Chair Jeff Sturchio.
Key Takeaways from the Global Fund’s 44th Board Meeting
  • Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund, emphasized the need to increase funding and expand the global response to fight COVID-19 and reinforce systems for health needed to get back on track to end the HIV, TB and malaria epidemics by 2030.

  • A significant part of the discussion focused on the development of the next Global Fund strategy, a multi-year roadmap that will direct the Global Fund’s actions, set out priorities for how the partnership can accelerate progress against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and improve global health.

  • In 2021, the Global Fund will begin preparing for the seventh Replenishment, which will occur in late 2022. COVID-19 presents many challenges for the Global Fund and its work, and the next Replenishment will take into account the changing global health landscape.
How COVID-19 is Affecting the Global Response to AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
  • AIDS: Recent data from PEPFAR shows the disruptive impact of COVID-19 on the HIV response—in particular on testing and treatment for HIV, including for pregnant women

  • Malaria: As the malaria season begins in southern Africa, COVID-19 complicates the picture

  • Tuberculosis: Covid set to cause 400,000 surge in TB deaths as medics diverted

We're tracking the intersection of COVID-19 and AIDS, TB and malaria. See regular updates on our website.
Global Health News
  • Fast tests for COVID-19 can help until a vaccine is be deployed, but funding is needed. (The Economist)

  • Africa loses economic hope (Axios)


  • Germany completes EUR150 million pledge to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 response (Global Fund)

  • Measles surging as COVID-19 curbs disrupt vaccinations (Reuters)

  • Faith Leaders & Philanthropists Address COVID-19’s Threat to Malaria (Webinar)
Be sure to check www.theglobalfight.org for the latest. Thanks for your support.
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