Turning the tide on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria is a priority second to none, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today in a message to government ministers gathered in Paris for an international meeting in support of a global fund to fight the devastating illnesses.
The one-day meeting hosted by the French Government features reports on progress made by countries receiving support from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Championed by Mr. Annan, the Fund was set up to attract, manage and disburse additional resources to reduce infections, illness and death.
"By gathering today, you are showing your commitment to mobilizing greater support for the Fund, and ensuring that it lives up to its full potential," Mr. Annan told the delegates in a video message.
"For the United Nations family, and me personally, turning the tide on AIDS, TB and malaria is a priority second to none. We will remain a full and committed partner in the collective struggle towards our common goal," he stated.
Mr. Annan said the Fund is not designed to replace existing national or international efforts, but rather to fill a specific and substantial gap by providing effective and efficient financing to scale up initiatives.
"That support can take many forms," he noted. "However you choose to do it, the biggest challenge before you is to ensure that substantial commitments are made, and new partnerships created, to enable the Fund to play its role to the full."
Over $10 billion a year will be needed by 2005 to mount an effective global response to HIV/AIDS alone.