KCs & the Global Fund

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an international financing institution that invests the world’s money to save lives. To date, it has committed US$ 21.7 billion in 150 countries to support large-scale prevention, treatment and care programs against the three diseases. As part of the Fund’s 2011 Partnership Forum consultation, a team of KCs was commissioned to interview communities in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean to hear people’s views on the Fund’s work in these regions.

KCs found that, whilst the Global Fund is undoubtedly a force for good and has contributed to improving the lives of more than 6.5 million people, there are multiple challenges that can diminish its effectiveness. Major concerns centred on delays in getting funds to communities and the way in which key populations such as sex workers and men who have sex with men sometimes fail to benefit from allocated funds.

Interviewees called on the Global Fund to use their significant leverage as a major donor to advocate for more inclusive programmes that reach the people most in need - the Hijra in India for example or sex workers in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They also called on the Global Fund to be more assertive in ensuring that programmes contribute to respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights.

Thanks to the KCs who took part in the project, which was run by AIDS Portal and CNS News Initiative. Their hard work and professionalism will ensure that voices from the communities most affected by HIV, tuberculosis and malaria are heard.