Bill Gates’ statement on the outcome of the 5th Global Fund Replenishment Conference for 2017-2019

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SEATTLE (September 17, 2016) – “Given the many challenges governments face today, I’m inspired by the generosity of partners at this replenishment. It is a great outcome.

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.

Since 2002, the Global 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 – in lives saved and money spent.

This 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 USD 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, $50 million USD of which will go to (RED).

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.”

For more information about today's pledges, visit http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/2016-09-17_Global_Fund_Donors_Pledge_Nearly_$13_Billion_to_Help_End_Epidemics/.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

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