DFID's contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria - International Development Committee Contents


Summary

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was created in 2002 to increase funding to tackle three of the world's most devastating diseases. It has approved $22.6bn (£14.1bn) for programmes in 150 countries and is estimated to have helped save millions of lives. The Global Fund was given a high rating in the UK's Multilateral Aid Review, published in March 2011, after which the Secretary of State for International Development announced the UK would increase its contribution significantly. More than a year later, however, the Department for International Development (DFID) is yet to deliver these additional funds or confirm how much it will contribute.

This delay has coincided with the most difficult period in the Global Fund's history, with lower than expected donor contributions, negative publicity concerning fraud, the resignation of its Executive Director and the implementation of major reforms. In November 2011 the Global Fund cancelled its eleventh round of grant-making ("Round 11"), due to fears of inadequate funding. NGOs argue that the cancellation of Round 11 poses a "significant threat to millions of lives", although this is disputed by the Secretary of State. We held a short inquiry in view of the serious consequences of the developments at the Global Fund, with a particular focus on the role of DFID.

Our key findings are :

  • The Global Fund is invaluable; it needs to overcome its problems and return to full operation as soon as possible;
  • There are diametrically opposed views about the impact of the cancellation of Round 11 on people in developing countries. An independent impact assessment of the cancellation of Round 11—endorsed by the Global Fund, DFID, other key donors and leading NGOs—should be undertaken to help inform future policy and programming;
  • The speedy appointment of a permanent Global Fund Executive Director is important for confidence;
  • DFID is a key partner whose increased contribution to the Global Fund could unlock funds from other donors. It should do all possible to commit additional funds earlier than 2013 by prioritising its assessment of the Global Fund ahead of, and separately from, the broader update of the Multilateral Aid Review;
  • The G20 meeting in Mexico in June provides a good opportunity for DFID to announce new funds, but only if the Department's conditions are met and UK taxpayers' money is adequately safeguarded.





 
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Prepared 22 May 2012