Funds provided under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) are aimed at broad-based pandemic preparedness and the strengthening of health systems, in addition to immediate response to Covid-19 outbreaks. Specifically, for example, investments are being made in the introduction of novel therapeutics to scale up testing and treatment programs in the event of future Covid-19 outbreaks, as well as in laboratory networks and disease surveillance. This shift in program focus from the primary response to Covid-19 to the overall strengthening of health systems is intended to best address future variants.
To ensure that resources reach where they are needed most, the Global Fund’s C19RM program takes a demand-driven and inclusive approach. One example of the program’s successful implementation is Uganda, where an important contribution was made to strengthen national laboratory systems and to close gaps in disease surveillance. Last year, this enabled a timely response to the Ebola outbreak, which was brought under control in record time.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002 with the goal of fighting AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the deadliest pandemics at the time. The global health partnership has since invested more than $55,4 billion and saved 50 million lives.
