In autumn 2022, the United States will host the 7th replenishment of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Despite significant progress made against AIDS, TB and malaria in the 20 years of existence of the Global fund, the world is off-track to reach the Sustainable Development Goal 3 ‘Good Health and Well-being’ regarding the 3 diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on already overstretched health systems, reversed hard-won gains in the fight against the three diseases, and exacerbated existing inequalities.
2022 is a tipping moment. Support is needed across the globe to ensure that the Global Fund raises at least US$ 18 billion to fight HIV, TB, and malaria and build stronger systems for health. Why is the fight against these diseases still relevant today? How can equal access to health care be ensured? What has been the role of the Global Fund? And what more can be done to end AIDS, TB, and malaria as global health threats by 2030?
To answer these questions, Global Health Advocates interviewed three activists:
- Rhéa Lobo, alternate Board member, Stop TB partnership
- Naomi Wanjiru, nurse working on HIV and TB, member of GFAN
- Shreehari Acharya, Project Manager at ALIGHT Malaria Free Mekong