Global Fund Watch [to 24 May 2014]

:: News Release: WHO and Global Fund Strengthen Partnership
20 May 2014
GENEVA – The World Health Organization and the Global Fund today strengthened their long established partnership with a new technical agreement to support countries in developing more strategic investments in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
Margaret Chan, Director-General, WHO, and Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund, both stressed the importance of expanding partnerships to let country-led programs maximize the impact of health investments.
“This renewed partnership between WHO and the Global Fund will allow us to increase impact and reach more people by working together more closely with countries,” said Dr. Chan…
…Under the agreement, WHO will provide technical assistance to Global Fund applicants under the new funding model ahead of the submission of their grant applications, or concept notes. The new funding model promotes opportunities for health interventions with a bigger impact, so robust concept notes and sound national strategic plans in specific geographic areas are strongly encouraged.
“The new funding model captures the promise of partnership that is our core belief,” said Dr. Dybul. “This agreement gives us a clear focus, and reinvigorates the spirit of working together.”
Country Coordinating Mechanisms and civil society organizations can apply for WHO technical assistance. WHO will provide assistance through its country or regional offices and with the Roll Back Malaria and STOP TB partnerships…
:: Announcement: Luxembourg Signs Multi-Year Contribution to Global Fund
22 May 2014
Excerpt
Luxembourg and the Global Fund today signed a multi-year contribution agreement for €7.5 million (US$10.2 million) for 2014-2016, signaling joint commitment to efforts to defeat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The agreement was signed at the Global Fund offices in Geneva by Romain Schneider, Minister of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, and Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund.
“The Global Fund is a key partner in realizing our new health sector strategy,” said Minister Schneider. “We appreciate the alignment of the Global Fund’s strategy and the new funding model on national priorities and strategies…