The Global Fund and the Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria AMF-m

1. 1 Dr Stefano Lazzari Senior Health Advisor The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria APPMG London 9 October 2007 The Global Fund and the Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria (AMF-m) 

2. The new context of malaria control After decades of neglect, there is renewed interest in malaria This has led to establishment of major global initiatives including the RBM Partnership in 1998, the Global Fund in 2002 and the US President Malaria Initiative in 2005. An effective, integrated strategy has been developed, based on evidence-based approaches and taking advantage of new technical solutions. The strategy is based on a combination of: Indoor residual spraying (IRS), Long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs), Intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women (IPTp), Effective treatment for malaria according to the national treatment guidelines The importance of strengthening health systems and of the role of non-public sectors in the delivery of interventions has been fully ecognized. Key messages: A “neglected disease” until 2000, following the failure of the eradication attempts of the 60s, malaria is now at the center of a major international effort backed with substantial financial resources and facilitated by the availability of new prevention and treatment tools. No single intervention alone can solve the problem of malaria. The GF supports the internationally-agreed strategic approach comprising of prevention, treatment and vector-control, the need to mobilize all sectors and the need to strengthen the basic health system to achieve wide coverage and ensure sustainability.Key messages: A “neglected disease” until 2000, following the failure of the eradication attempts of the 60s, malaria is now at the center of a major international effort backed with substantial financial resources and facilitated by the availability of new prevention and treatment tools. No single intervention alone can solve the problem of malaria. The GF supports the internationally-agreed strategic approach comprising of prevention, treatment and vector-control, the need to mobilize all sectors and the need to strengthen the basic health system to achieve wide coverage and ensure sustainability.

3. Challenges Strengthen national malaria programs while also addressing health systems bottlenecks to malaria control. Ensure the continuous availability of essential commodities, including drugs, diagnostics and LLINs. Make optimal use of the non-governmental and private sector Achieve universal access to prevention and treatment by the population at risk, including the rural poor. Delay the emergence of drug resistance Ensure sustainable, long-term financing Continue the research and development of new drugs, diagnostics and effective vaccines Coordinate efforts, align with national priorities and harmonize international support Key messages: The tide has changed but several major challenges remain. Many malaria control programs need strengthening but we also recognize that the major impediments to scaling up and ensuring universal access to malaria prevention and treatment are the important weaknesses in the overall health systems. Quality and availability of essential commodities need to be assured, while reducing prices to affordable levels. We also recognize the urgent need to engage all relevant players in the fight against malaria, including NGOs, FBOs, the private sector and the communities affected by the disease. And there is a need for donors to ensure sustainable, long term financing while coordinating and aligning their efforts with national strategies and priorities. Key messages: The tide has changed but several major challenges remain. Many malaria control programs need strengthening but we also recognize that the major impediments to scaling up and ensuring universal access to malaria prevention and treatment are the important weaknesses in the overall health systems. Quality and availability of essential commodities need to be assured, while reducing prices to affordable levels. We also recognize the urgent need to engage all relevant players in the fight against malaria, including NGOs, FBOs, the private sector and the communities affected by the disease. And there is a need for donors to ensure sustainable, long term financing while coordinating and aligning their efforts with national strategies and priorities.

4. The Global Fund is an independent public-private partnership mandated: - To raise and to disburse substantial new funds  - To operate transparently and accountably- To achieve sustained impact on HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria