The Hague – This week, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, in cooperation with Aidsfonds and nine other Dutch civil society organisations* called upon the Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation, Sigrid Kaag, to increase the Dutch commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).
In a letter to Minister Kaag the 11 organisations jointly urge for a 20 percent increase of the Dutch contribution for the 6th replenishment cycle of the fund for the period 2020-2022.
The Global Fund is a unique public-private partnership, supported by the Dutch government since its inception in 2002. It’s known for its pragmatic and impact driven approach in eliminating the three deceases. The fund successfully involves civil society, governments, the private sector, as well as affected communities in its decision making and implementation.
Ending the epidemics
In March 2019 Peter Sands, Director of the Global Fund, visited the Netherlands to advocate an ambitious contribution by the Dutch government ahead of the 2019 Replenishment conference, taking place on October 10th in Lyon, France, hosted by President Marcon. The Global Fund aims for a minimum of 14 billion USD for its work to end the TB, AIDS and malaria epidemics. Ending the epidemics is feasible, but we must step up the fight now. If we don’t, we run the risk of slipping backwards.
Therefore the 11 NGOs underscore the urgent need for not only a continuation in support of the Global Fund, but to increase the pledge by 20 percent for the upcoming 6th Replenishment. This means a total Dutch commitment of 200 million euros for the period 2020-2022.
With 200 million euros, more than 300.000 people can be treated for TB. More than 400.000 people will receive HIV treatment. Crucial work can be done to build sustainable and resilient health systems.
KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Aidsfonds and the co-signing civil society organizations address the Minister, urging her to acknowledge this need and Global Fund effectiveness and to continue to back the Global Fund with it a generous contribution.
Download the letter to Minister Sigrid Kaag (in Dutch) here.
Read the reaction to the Global Fund Investment case of several Dutch NGOs that partner closely with the fund – including KNCV – here.
*KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Aidsfonds, AFEW International, Cordaid, International Civil Society Support (ICSS), Mainline, PSI, The ONE Campaign, Hivos, Wemos and Rutgers