In 2023, the 49th General Assembly of the Global Fund Board met in Hanoi (Vietnam) to discuss several development strategies, governance oversight, commitment of financial resources and performance evaluation organizational. Representatives from West, Central, East and Southern Africa were brought together to discuss the future of the Global Fund to Fight Tuberculosis, HIV and Malaria.
Dr. Jean-Jacques Mbungani Mbanda, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Constituency Bureau (ACB) of the Global Fund, led the African delegation to this General Assembly. During the discussions, he emphasized the policy of building local capacities and the supply of locally produced medicines. He also pleaded for the involvement of governments, as well as regional and continental structures such as Africa CDC with the support of the African Union.
On the sidelines of the 49th General Assembly session, Dr Jean-Jacques Mbungani and his team had preliminary discussions and consultations with other councils and constituency offices around the world, such as the US delegation and the Inspectorate General of Funds. He also interacted with delegates from the private sector, the councils of Germany, France and England, as well as the Commonwealth Development Office.
It should be noted that the Board of the Global Fund meets on average twice a year. Voting members include equal representation from implementers and donors, as well as nongovernmental organizations, communities affected by HIV, TB, and malaria, the private sector, and private foundations. In addition, there are eight non-voting members, including the chairman and vice-chairman of the board; representatives of partner organizations, including the World Health Organization and the World Bank, as well as the constituency of additional public donors. Africa has two seats on the Global Fund Board of the 28 available.
This General Assembly is an opportunity for Africa to speak with one voice, and to advocate for the future of the Global Fund in its fight against the diseases mentioned above in order to respond to the major health challenges of the continent.