Real Improvements Needed in Health of Women, Children, Secretary-General Stresses

at Replenishment Event for Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the replenishment event for the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, in the Netherlands, from 24-26 March:

Monsieur [Michel] Kazatchkine,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to greet all the participants in this important gathering.

Since its creation eight years ago, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has been extraordinarily effective.  It has saved an estimated 5 million lives and established itself as a world leader in strengthening health systems.

It has forged new alliances between Governments, the private sector and the aid community.  It focuses on results.  So its resources go to the people who need them most, and use them best.  The Fund is a vital tool in our campaign to meet the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs].  The MDG deadline of 2015 is now in sight.  To achieve them, we need to see real, concrete improvements in women’s and children’s health. 

Despite the Global Fund’s success, AIDS, TB and malaria are still responsible for more than half the deaths of women of child-bearing age in sub-Saharan Africa.  That is why progress on these three diseases is so important.  And that is why this Global Fund replenishment exercise is vital.

A strong Global Fund will fuel our final push to reach the MDGs.  Please, give generously.  Help us conquer these diseases of poverty.  Help us make a difference in this fight for public health and human dignity for all.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record