The Global Fund was founded in 2002 with the mission to fight the deadliest infectious diseases, challenge the injustice that fuels them, and strengthen health systems and pandemic preparedness in more than 100 of the hardest hit countries. It unites world leaders, communities, civil society, health workers and the private sector to find solutions. In the past 22 years, this partnership has saved 59 million lives and reduced the combined death rate from the three diseases by more than half in the countries where they invest. Its work also contributes to mitigate the consequences of one of the most challenging humanitarian crises which is happening in Sudan.
Sudan is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis in which 8.5 million people have been displaced – including 6.7 million people within Sudan itself. There are tremendous challenges in responding to AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria because an estimated 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are not functional and medical supplies are depleted. Furthermore, HIV and TB treatment courses are disrupted due to displacements which increases the risk of death, drug resistance and disease transmission. In Sudan 6.5 million, 6.2 million and 5.8 million malaria cases are estimated for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026 respectively.
The Global Fund has signed grant agreements with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for up to US$170 million from 2024-2026 to support people affected by HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Both UNICEF and UNDP will be working in close partnership with the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health.
Through the grant agreement with UNICEF, the delivery of essential malaria services such as rapid diagnostic tests and treatment and insecticide-treated mosquito nets for 28 million people will be ensured. Moreover, the related health systems and community-led initiatives will be supported and strengthened. The grant agreement with UNDP will contribute to the delivery of essential medicines to meet Sudan’s current need to provide and maintain HIV treatment for 14,000 people and treat an estimated 44,000 people with TB over three years at public hospitals and primary health centres that remain operational.
The life-saving contribution by the Global Fund shows how essential and effective MSP are for tackling specific issues within complex humanitarian crises by channeling support and response where it is needed the most.