Strengthen Support for Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Secretary-General

 

Urges Partners after Executive Director Steps Down

 

The following statement was issued on 25 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has been informed of Michel Kazatchkine’s announcement that he will step down, effective mid-March, from his position as Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  The Secretary-General commends Professor Kazatchkine for his leadership of the Fund over the last five years and his steadfast dedication to the health and human rights of millions of the most vulnerable people around the world.

The Secretary-General urges all partners to strengthen their support to the Global Fund in this time of transition.  As a unique and innovative public-private partnership, the Global Fund has been instrumental in saving the lives of millions of people around the world.

With continued support from all stakeholders, the Global Fund is well placed to deliver strong results.  Over 3.3 million people worldwide depend on the Fund for access to antiretroviral treatment for HIV.  Tuberculosis is declining globally and an end to malaria deaths is in sight, thanks to the efforts of the Global Fund and its partners.  The United Nations will continue to work in strong partnership with the Global Fund to build on these results in the years ahead.

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For information media • not an official record