UNAIDS: The First 10 Years

UNAIDS The First 10 Years160But Richard Feachem, the first Executive Directorof the Global Fund, disagreed: “The threediseases are a natural fit for the Global Fund. Forall three, there was clear evidence that additionalfinancing for the implementation of existing tooland strategies could have a significant impacton the burden of disease … The challenge waswhere to draw the line. There are many otherscourges from leishmaniasis to diarrheal diseasesthat need and deserve increased attention andfinancing”.First funding proposals tothe Global FundAt the end of January 2002, the Global Fund approved its first call for funding proposals;the initial grants would be made in April. At this point, the Global Fund had US$ 1.9 billioncommitted but far more resources were needed.Richard Feachem, the fi rstExecutive Director of theGlobal Fund with UNAIDSCountry Coordinator for BeninYamina Chakkar.UNAIDSIt was announced that the Global Fund would finance plans developed through countrypartnerships in severely affected countries as well as in areas with growing epidemics. Itsapproach would be integrated and balanced, covering prevention, treatment and careand support in dealing with the three diseases. Proposals would be funded rapidly, with aminimum of red tape but with enough safeguards to make sure funds were used responsiblyand effectively.In February 2002, UNAIDS stressed the funding gap that existed – and therefore the highexpectations it had of the new Global Fund 14 . AIDS programmes needed to spend US$10 billion every year to ensure an adequate response to the epidemic (though it was notexpected that this would be raised solely by the Global Fund). The goal could be reachedonly through major increases in allocations from national governments, greater support fromthe private sector and increases in international assistance through the Global Fund, bilateralfunding programmes and international organizations.During 2002, such resource mobilization would increase rapidly, but not rapidly enough, andextra funding would cause more challenges to countries as well as UNAIDS.Piot made it clear to staff that the new Global Fund brought various new opportunities andrisks “but should be a dynamic incentive for UNAIDS to do its job right”. It also had tobe made clear to donors that the Global Fund was there to mobilize additional resources,14UNAIDS (2002). Fact Sheet, February. Geneva, UNAIDS.