Global Civil Society Open Letter to Flemming Møller Mortensen, Minister for Development Cooperation of Denmark
The Global Fund Advocates Network and partner civil society organizations ask all donor country governments to support to Global Fund objective to the 7th Replenishment of raising more than $18 billion to save over 20 million lives by 2026.
Dear Minister Flemming Møller Mortensen,
Between 2002 and 2020, health programs supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have saved over 44 million lives across the world. This would never have been possible without the support to the Global Fund from countries like Denmark.
We thank you and Denmark for your unflinching assistance to the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Your generosity has improved the health and rights of especially women, girls and vulnerable populations, and has yielded great results. Devastating
But we are now at risk of backsliding. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was not on track to reach the SDG target 3.3 of ending AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics by 2030. COVID-19 has knocked us further off course. The pandemic has worsened gender and social inequalities and threatened sexual and reproductive health and rights – all affecting health outcomes. In 2020, for the first time in the Global Fund twenty-years history, we have lost ground in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Testing, treatment, and prevention for HIV declined, and, most tragically, deaths from tuberculosis and malaria have increased. Just as catching up could begin, Europe and the world were shaken by Russia’s war against Ukraine, leading to mass displacement, rising inflation, food insecurity and cuts to ODA budgets.
To be able to address the setbacks and get back on track to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as epidemics by 2030, the Global Fund Investment Case for the seventh replenishment calls for a total of at least US$18 billion in 2023-2025, a 30% increase from the 2019 funding target.
At the 2019 sixth replenishment of the Global Fund, Denmark pledged DKK 350 million. Later, an additional DKK 25 million was donated to the COVID-19 Response Mechanism. These contributions, while not at the level of previous Danish pledges of DKK 500 million, provided critical support for millions at a time of dire hardship. This year, we ask of Denmark to step up once again with an ambitious pledge of DKK 455 million over the next three years – a 30% increase from last replenishment, in line with the overall need of a 30% increase in funding for the Global Fund. This pledge will inspire other government donors to action and contribute to:
- Save 20 million lives between 2024 and 2026 in the countries supported by the Global Fund.
- Reduce the death toll across the three diseases to 950,000 in 2026, down from 2.4 million in 2020.
- Avert more than 450 million new infections or cases in the countries supported by the Global Fund.
- Catalyze domestic investments of up to US$59 billion through co-financing requirements and technical assistance on health financing.
- Reduce inequities in health services by addressing gender-related and human rights barriers to access and build more inclusive health systems that leave no one behind.
- Strengthening systems for health and pandemic preparedness to prevent and respond to future pandemics.
- Yield a return on investment of 1:31 with every dollar invested in fighting the three diseases resulting in US$31 billion in health gains and economic returns, further contributing to the achievement of the overall SDG agenda.
The Global Fund prioritizes lower-income countries with a higher burden of disease, while paying special attention to key and vulnerable populations and the right to health for these groups, including LGBTI+ people, women, and adolescent girls. Approximately 30% of Global Fund spending contributes to stronger, more resilient health systems in countries and regions directly affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, weak governance, and similar challenging environments, creating a bulwark against future shocks and pandemics.
As Minister for Development Cooperation and a former healthcare worker, we know that you have worked for furthering the right to health for marginalized and vulnerable people across the world, including women, children, young people and LGBTI+ people. Supporting the Global Fund is also aligned with Denmark’s priorities for development cooperation outlined in The World We Share strategy. This includes defending sexual and reproductive health and rights, empowering women and girls, leaving no one behind, fighting inequalities and fragilities, strengthening civil society, building effective partnerships, and promoting a rights-based approach to development cooperation. The Global Fund replenishment is a unique opportunity for Denmark to further these goals, get the world back on track towards ending AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and prepare countries to fight against a new pandemic.
The United States’ President Biden, host of the Global Fund seventh replenishment conference, requested the US Congress to approve a budget of US$ 2 billion to the Global Fund for 2023, with an intended pledge of US$ 6 billion for 2023-2025 – one third of the total replenishment goal. This pledge, however, hinges on other donors of the Global Fund to provide another two thirds of the US$ 18 billion funding goal, as the US Government cannot by law fund more than one third of the Global Fund budget.
This means that for every 2 dollars contributed by Denmark to the Global Fund, the US will add another dollar to its pledge. Further, Danish investments will contribute to catalyze domestic investments in fighting the three diseases by more than 3 dollars for every dollar invested.
Denmark has since the founding of the Global Fund been one of its most consistent donors, committed to fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and ensuring healthy lives and rights for all. The next three years will be critical in terms of reaching the global targets and ending the three diseases. The 2030 goals are within reach, but it will require strong political will and financial resources. This is a fight the world can win, but it needs all countries to step up – without Denmark, it will not be possible.
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, thank you once again for your commitment to support the global response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, strengthening health systems and defending the health and rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
On behalf of GFAN and signed by the following 218 civil society organizations:
| Adhar Bahuuddeshiya sanstha Amalner jalgaon | Krishnagiri district living with HIV/AIDS Welfare society (KDAS+) |
| Africa Japan Forum | Kushinagar welfare for people living with AIDS Society |
| Agra Positive People Welfare society, AGRA |
Lady Mermaid Empowerment Centre |
| AHF Africa | Lanka Plus |
| Aidsfonds | Lao CCM members |
| Allahabad Network For People Living With HIV/AIDS society Raebareilly | Lensa Sukabumi |
| Alliance for Public Health | Lhak-Sam, Bhutan Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (BNP+) |
| APCASO | LHL International |
| Ashar Alo Society | Life Care Society for Underprivileged (HP) |
| Ashar Alo Society (AAS) | Lighthouse Social Enterprise |
| Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV (APN+) | LKKNU Kalsel |
| Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) | LKPBNU |
| Association des Victorieux de la Tuberculose Ultra-Résistante (AVTUR) | Love Life Society |
| Association for Prevention of Septic Abortion, Bangladesh (BAPSA) | Malaria No More Japan |
| Association For Promotion Sustainable Development | MAMATA |
| Association of People living with HIV/AIDS (APL+) | Mau Positive Network of People living with HIV/AIDS Society |
| Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations | MDG Achieving Organization |
| Aye Myanmar Assoication (AMA) | Medan Plus |
| Azamgarh positive network of people living with HIV/AIDS Society | Mithuru Mithuro Movement |
| BAMANEH | Moradabad Network Positive Welfare Society |
| Banaras Network for Positive People Living with HIV/AIDS Society | Nalgonda Youth positive society people living HIV/AIDS (NYPS+) |
| Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) | NAPUD (Network of Asian People who Use Drugs) |
| BAPSA | Nari Matree ( NM ) |
| BGMEA TB Control Project | NATAB |
| Bhilwara Network for people living with HIV/ AIDS sansthan | National Anti Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (NATAB) |
| Bihar Network For People Living With HIV/AIDS Society | National Coalition of PLHIV in India (NCPI+) |
| Bikaner Network for Peoples Living With HIV Sansthan(BNP+) | National TB Network Nepal |
| BKMEA TB Control Project | National Transgender Network Sri Lanka |
| Blue Diamond Society | Network for chennai People Living with HIV/AIDS (NCP+) |
| Blue Star Hanoi CBO | Network for Positive People in Trichy (NPT+) |
| Blue Star Thai Nguyen CBO | Network of Aurangabad By People Living with HIV |
| BRAC | Network of Hingoli by people living with HIV Hingoli |
| Cam Pha Blue Sea | Network of Kolhapur by People living with HIV/AIDS |
| Cambodian People living with HIV Network (CPN+) | Network of Maharashtra by People Living with HIV/AIDS (NMP+) |
| Caritas PSE | Network Of Parbhani Distrct By People Living With HIV/AIDS |
| Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) | Network of PLHIV(NOP+), |
| Centre for the Development of People. | Network of Solapur by people living with HIV AIDS, Solapur |
| Churu Network for People Living With HIV/AIDS Sansthan | Nishkriti |
| Coimbatore Network for Positive People (CNP+) | Pali Marwar Network for People Living with HIV Sansthan Pali |
| Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAs) | Paribar Kallayan Samity (PKS) |
| Community Social Development Foundation | Perambalur District Network For HIV Positive People (PDNP+) |
| Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD). | Perkumpulan Keluarga Berencana Indonesia (PKBI) |
| Council of People Living with HIV AIDS of Kerala (CPK+) | Perkumpulan Pemberantasan Tuberkulosa Indonesia (PPTI) |
| Cuddalore District HIV Positive Society (CDS +) | PETIK |
| Damien Foundation | PIME Sisters Khulna |
| Delhi Users’ Network | Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas, Inc. |
| Deoria network for people living with AIDS Society | PNG National Key Population Advocacy Consortium |
| Dharmapuri District HIV Positive Welfare Society (DDPWS+) | Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc. (PAFPI) |
| Dindigul District HIV Positive Society (DDS+) | Positive Malaysian Treatment Access & Advocacy Group (MTAAG+) |
| Diversity And Solidarity Trust Sri Lanka | Positive Women Society Network |
| Eastern Africa National Network of AIDS and Health Service Organization (EANNASO) | Pratapgarh network for people living with HIV/AIDS |
| ECOM – Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity | Prayas Network of Positive People Welfare Society (PNPP) |
| Estrela+ Timor Leste | PT Foundation |
| Fatayat NU | Puthuvai Cluny Social Service Trust |
| Female Plus | Queer Voices of Bhutan |
| FKPB Batang | Rajarata Gami Pahana |
| Flobamora Jaya Peduli Foundation | RDRS Bangladesh |
| Friends Frangipani Inc-PNG | Resource Integration Centre (RIC) |
| Friends-International (FI) | Results Canada |
| Frontline AIDS | Saburai Support Group |
| Fundacion Salud por Derecho | SAF-Teso |
| Gaya Patriot Bekasi | Sanjeevan Bahu-udeshiya Samaj Seva Sanstha, Nagpur |
| Geeta Mahila uthan ssmiti | Sarthi Kalyankari Sanstha Bhandara (NBP+) |
| Girls Advocacy Network-Ghana | Saviya Development Foundation |
| Global Action for Trans Equality | Siddharth Nagar welfare for people living with HIV/AIDS Society Basti |
| Global Coalition of TB Advocates | Speak Up Africa |
| Global Health Italian Network | SPEK-HAM |
| Good Health Community Programmes | Spirit Paramacitta |
| Gujarat state network of people living with HIV AIDS GSNP | Srikandi Perintis Mandiri |
| Guruprasad | Stop TB Partnership Japan |
| Hadoti Network for People Living With HIV/AIDS Samiti Kota | Strategic Alliance for Research and Development |
| Hai Duong Belief CBO | Subrang Society |
| Harm Reduction International | Tamilnad Network of Positive People |
| Hathras positive peoples welfare society | Tamilnadu Positive Women Network (TPWN+) |
| Health Action Coordinating Committee | TB Community Representative |
| Health and Development Alliance (HEAD) | Thanjavur district network of positive people TDNP+ |
| Health Care Community of Positive Peoples, Ambajogai | The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh (TLMI-B) |
| HEED Bangladesh | The Reformed Drug and Substance Abuse Initiative (REDSAI), Nigeria |
| Her voice fund & Impact Drivers | The Sun Kien Giang |
| Home Coming | TICAD NGO Liaison Group |
| Home4Youth Association | Tilottama Voluntary Women’s Organization |
| Hope for Future Generations- Ghana | Tiruvannamalai District HIV Positive Society(TDHPS+) |
| Human and Natural Resose Development Foundation | Treasureland Health Builders Initiative |
| Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) | Trisuli Plus |
| IAKMI Sulawesi Tenggara | UTPS |
| IDUCARE | Uttar Pradesh Welfare for People Living with HIV/AIDS Society |
| Igat Hope Inc. | Venasa Transgender Network |
| Image Social Welfare Organization | Victory Plus Yogyakarta |
| Impact Drivers | Vietnam Community Network to Fight Tuberculosis (VCTB) |
| Impact santé Afrique | Vietnam Network of People living with HIV (VNP+) |
| India Working Group for Health Advocacy | Vietnam Platform for Supporting Vulnerable Populations |
| Indonesia AIDS Coalition | Virudhunagar District HIV Ullor Nala Sangam |
| INSET | Vision makers |
| International Planned Parenthood Federation | Wahana Cita Indonesia |
| International Youth Council-Yemen (IYCY) | Wasaib Sanwaro |
| IPPF | Women4GlobalFund |
| Jabalpur Network of people Living with HIV/ AIDS Society | Wonosobo Youth Center |
| Jaringan Indonesia Positif (JIP) | World Mission Prayer League (LAMB hospital) |
| Jaunpur Network for HIV positive People Living with AIDS Society | World Mission Prayer League (LAMB Hospital) |
| JCIE/Friends of the Global Fund, Japan (FGFJ) | Wote Youth Development Projects |
| Kalinga Network for People Living With HIV/AIDS (KNP+) Odisha | Yaah Foundation |
| Kelompok Kerja Bina Sehat | Yayasan Indonesia Hijau (YIH) |
| Khawaja Sira Society | YKMNU Jawa Tengah |
| Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance (KHANA) | Young Health Advocates Ghana |
| Khulna Mukti Seba Sangstha (KMSS) | Young Out Here Sri Lanka Trust |
| Kindness Coallition | Youth and Women for Change in Eswatini |
| Korean Advocates for Global Health | Youth LEAD |
| KP Mahakam Plus Kaltim | Youth Voices Count, Inc. |
| KP Yayasan Pontianak Plus | YPK eLSA |