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.
$3.5 Billion for Global Fund's COVID-19 Response
  • This week, the House passed the Senate version of the American Rescue Plan that includes $3.5 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and $250 million for PEPFAR as part of a broader investment of nearly $11 billion in the international response to COVID-19, as well as $750 million for for CDC to fight COVID-19 globally.

  • “This vote is an enormous step forward in saving lives, controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing global health equity,” said Chris Collins, president and CEO of Friends of the Global Fight. “These resources will support critical public health aspects of the global COVID-19 response, including providing treatments, recruiting and protecting health care workers, scaling up delivery of rapid diagnostic tests and paving the way for vaccine delivery. It will also help protect hard fought progress against AIDS, TB and malaria.” 

  • “I want to thank President Biden for his inclusion of global investments in his initial proposal for the American Rescue Plan,” Collins said. “I also want to thank Congressional leaders in both parties who supported resources for the Global Fund in the final bill. In particular, thank you Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Chairman Meeks, Senator Menendez, Chairwoman Barbara Lee and Senator Coons for their support. And a huge thank you to all the advocates who worked tirelessly over many months to make sure this funding became a reality.” 
Faith Leaders Urge Global Fund Support
  • 194 faith leaders across the country wrote Congress expressing support for strong Global Fund investments, including emergency funding for the COVID-19 response to protect HIV, TB and malaria programs.
How COVID-19 is Affecting AIDS, TB and Malaria
With U.S. and other donors' support, the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response Mechanism can continue stepping up to protect AIDS, TB and malaria responses from the impact of COVID-19.
  • AIDS: In Sierra Leone, HIV and COVID-19 can be a deadly mix. (Mail & Guardian)
  • Tuberculosis: As Peru Battles COVID-19, Tuberculosis Finds New Footing (Undark)
  • Malaria: Global health security requires endemic disease eradication (The Lancet)
We're tracking the intersection of COVID-19 and AIDS, TB and malaria. See regular updates on our website.
  • Read these Global Fund profiles of Mulolwa, Amanda, Bazarragchaa, Kiki, Gogo, Dilma and Nombasa, who fearlessly fight AIDS, TB and malaria.
Be sure to check www.theglobalfight.org for the latest. Thanks for your support.
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