Global anti-AIDS fund names panel to review grant proposals

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today announced the appointment of an international panel of experts that is expected to clear the way for the first disbursement of grants next month.

The Fund, which was created on the initiative of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said that the 17-member Technical Review Panel includes experts in disease control and prevention, clinical care, health education and international development. Panel members, drawn from a wide range of regions, have all worked in the developing world, where the HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria -- which collectively kill some 6 million people each year -- have the greatest impact.

Following the Panel’s review of grant proposals early next month, the Global Fund’s Board will announce the first awards at the conclusion of its next meeting, scheduled for 22-24 April in New York. Over the course of this year, the Fund is expected to disburse some $700-$800 million, effectively increasing global spending to fight these infectious diseases by 50 per cent.

“This panel of experts will help the Global Fund to identify projects that will have clear and demonstrable impact in the fight against AIDS, TB, and malaria,” said Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, who chairs the Board. “We are very pleased that the Fund will be guided by some of the world's leading public health authorities, who bring with

them invaluable technical knowledge and extensive field experience.”

The Global Fund is an independent public-private partnership that aims to make an ongoing and significant contribution to the goal of reducing infections, illness, and death. UN agencies sit on the Global Fund’s Board as non-voting members, and provide technical assistance to interested States in preparing grant proposals.