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.
Friends Applauds House for Maintaining U.S. Contribution of $1.56 Billion to the Global Fund in FY22
Yesterday, the House passed its fiscal year 2022 omnibus spending bill, allocating $1.56 billion to the Global Fund.

Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) for their unwavering commitment to the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria.

In addition, Friends applauds Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for championing the Global Fund in the Senate.
The Global Fund Approves Emergency Funding to Maintain Essential HIV & TB
programs in Ukraine
The Global Fund approved $30 million to top up its Emergency Fund, including $15 million to support the continuity of HIV and TB prevention, testing and treatment services in Ukraine. 

"We are extremely alarmed by the devastating effects on peoples’ lives in Ukraine. Ensuring patients affected by the conflict can continue to access prevention and treatment services is our immediate priority.”-Peter Sands of the Global Fund
Bipartisan Group of 137 Members of Congress Call for Increased U.S. Pledge to the Global Fund
137 members of the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Barbara Lee and Michael McCaul, sent a letter to the White House voicing their support for an increased U.S. pledge to the Global Fund ahead of the seventh replenishment conference.

“We must not let COVID-19 allow us to lose momentum in the fight to end AIDS, TB and malaria. An increased United States investment in the Global Fund represents a major opportunity to safeguard progress against these epidemics, build a foundation for stronger and more resilient health systems, and rally support from other donors.”
More than 200 Faith Leaders Call For Increased U.S. Pledge to the Global Fund
Former Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) and more than 200 faith leaders sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations to voice their support for an increased pledge to the Global Fund ahead of the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference.
Travel to Niger, Malawi and Indonesia to See the Global Fund Up Close
Three new films, developed with the Friends of the Global Fund global network, tell the story of local champions in Niger, Indonesia and Malawi who are fighting to end HIV, TB and malaria– preventable and treatable diseases that claim 2.6 million lives a year.

Niger's Progress Against Malaria: Learn how Aissa Yaye, a local health worker, is fighting malaria transmission through educational workshops.
Malawi's Progress Against HIV: Learn how Grace Ngulube, a peer educator, is counseling other young people living with HIV to fight stigma.  
Indonesia's Progress Against TB: See how Dr. Erlina Burhan, a pulmonologist, is fighting on the frontlines against TB.
We Cannot Let War in Ukraine Derail HIV, TB and COVID-19 Treatment (The Telegraph)
"As health systems collapse and treatment and prevention services are interrupted, mortality from HIV, TB, multi-drug resistant TB and Covid-19 will readily increase in Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of people are internally displaced and cities such as Lviv are running short of medicines and medical supplies." –Michel Kazatchkine, a former executive director of the Global Fund.

Ukraine has the highest number of people living with TB in Europe and the continent's second highest number of people living with HIV.
Assistant Secretary Loyce Pace on the Global Fund's Goal to Raise $18 Billion
Last week, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Global Affairs applauded the Global Fund's goal to raise $18 billion. Assistant Secretary Loyce Pace also tweeted in support of the Global Fund's Seventh Replenishment Conference. See the tweets below:
The Pandemic Is Following a Very Predictable and Depressing Pattern (The Atlantic)
“By epidemic we actually mean a pandemic that no longer kills people in rich countries. By endemic we actually mean a disease the world could get rid of but hasn’t. HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria are pandemics that have been beaten in rich countries. Allowing them to persist elsewhere is a policy choice and a budgetary decision.”- Peter Sands of the Global Fund
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: Carolyn’s Fight: Ending HIV and Gender-Based Violence (The Global Fund)
Tuberculosis: TB is Back With a Vengeance (The Spectator)
Malaria: The Pandemic Crushed Treatment for Other Diseases. But it May Give Us an Edge in the Future. (The Washington Post)
We're tracking the intersection of COVID-19 and AIDS, TB and malaria. See regular updates on our website.
Global Health News
  • War in Ukraine Could Lead to ‘Devastating’ Tuberculosis Problem, Warns Anthony Fauci (The Telegraph)

  • Bill Gates:The Innovations and Investments that Do Double Duty (Gates Notes)

  • Worrying Lack of Funding for Tuberculosis (The Lancet)

  • Fears of Medical Shortages and Disease in Ukraine After Russian Invasion (Swiss Info)
Be sure to check www.theglobalfight.org for the latest. Thanks for your support.
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