Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, more than 380 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed in Ukraine. Health systems have been severely weakened and the risk of outbreaks of various diseases has increased. The war has particularly affected HIV patients, who urgently need access to medication for their treatment. Such a development jeopardizes the progress that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria had made in the country so far. For example, AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 65% since 2002. To mitigate the negative impact of the war on those with the disease, the MSP initiated emergency measures within a few weeks at its beginning. As a result, the Global Fund ensures the provision of life-saving HIV and Tuberculosis treatment to over 140,000 patients and critical prevention services to approximately 170,000 people. For example, funding enables the distribution of power generators for regional laboratories, equips delivery trucks to deliver vital medicines, and supports community-led relief organizations.
To fund emergency response in crisis areas – such as Ukraine – the Global Fund refinancing takes place every three years. Despite global crises, the 7th replenishment was completed this November. Of the 15.7 billion US-Dollars, about 13.2 billion will be distributed to 120 countries. The funding is part of a new strategy through 2028, which rests on the comparative advantage of such a global and cross-cutting partnership to further fight AIDS and other diseases.
