The Global Fund

Campaigners ‘watch’ donors at a replenishment meeting, to check they keep their promises

The Global Fund was set up in 2001 by the G8 countries as a ‘war chest’ to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

It aims to be transparent, democratic and representative, with people living with HIV/AIDS, non-governmental organisations, experts and donor representatives sitting on the decision making board. Funding is based on clear criteria and proposals are not required to meet additional political or economic conditions.

Applications for funding can be submitted by governments, health workers and community groups in countries who need funding to pay for HIV/AIDS plans. Donors then meet periodically for ‘replenishment conferences’, where they pledge financial support.

The Global Fund provides over 20% of all international funding for AIDS, 64% of all funding for TB, and 67% of all funding for malaria. The Global Fund has saved more than two million lives, but it now needs more funding to scale up to save many more.

At their 2007 summit, G8 countries agreed to treble the size of the Global Fund by 2010. However, at the Global Fund’s replenishment conference just a few months later they failed to provide the money to back up their commitment. The UK pledged just half of its fair share of resources.

• Read the Stop AIDS Campaign briefing on how much the UK should contribute to the Global Fund, and why.