Bill Gates lauds the Global Fund as it raises $13 billion to fight disease

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation {Photo Courtesy}

The Global Fund has raised $13 billion to fight malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS.

The fund which is a partnership with an aim to tackle the three biggest communicable diseases.

Speaking on the replenishment, Bill Gates who co-chairs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said, "Given the many challenges governments face today, I'm inspired by the generosity of partners at this replenishment. It is a great outcome."

Gates noted that the fund is meant to save millions of lives which would otherwise be lost. Kenya contributed Sh500 million to the fund this year.

"The commitments made today by long-standing and new donors will save millions of lives and give the most vulnerable – especially women and girls – an opportunity to live up to their full potential," said Gates.

The fund which was initiated in 2002 has increasingly and continuously made healthcare affordable and accessible to more people especially in low and middle income countries.

Gates noted, "Fund has consistently proven that it is one of the most impactful investments a donor can make in global health. By continually innovating to make health products more affordable and accessible, and identifying new approaches for prevention and treatment, the Global Fund has delivered incredible results."

He also pointed out that it is why the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is proud to join other global leaders in increasing our support for the Global Fund by pledging up to $600 million for the 2017-2019 budget cycle. This includes $100 million in matching funds with the UK's private sector malaria matching challenge and up to $100 million to unlock other private sector contributions, and a further $50 million.

"I believe the Global Fund will go down in history as one of humanity's greatest achievements. By improving the health and well-being of the most vulnerable, the Global Fund is making the world a better, safer, and more equitable place for all," said Gates.