Oral

The Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is an international financing institution that invests the world’s money to save lives. To date, it has committed US$ 21.7 billion in 150 countries to support large-scale prevention, treatment and care programs against the three diseases. While acknowledging these significant contributions to global health, maternal and child health advocates have noted significant shortfalls in the funding needed to reduce maternal and child mortality from causes not related to these diseases so the many developing countries are off track to meet their 2015 MDG targets. Family Care International authored and coordinated an open letter before the December 2010 GF Board meeting that called for “immediate action” to “strengthen the Global Fund’s engagement in maternal, newborn, child, and reproductive health,” and for the additional funding needed to support both the Global Fund’s current mandate and this broader engagement. The letter was co-signed by 60 prominent non-governmental organizations, including the American Public Health Association In its decision on “Enhancing Global Fund support to maternal, newborn and child health,” the board promised to provide countries with clear guidance on how to integrate MNCH content into their requests for Global Fund support, and stated an intention to explore further broadening its engagement as it develops a strategic plan for 2011-16. Panelists will describe the key factors and key constituency groups promoting and opposing an expanded MCH mandate for the Global Fund and provide an update on developments since the December Board Meeting.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)