Reflections on the Global Fund: An open letter from Michel Kazatchkine

Reflections on the Global Fund: An open letter from Michel Kazatchkine
March 2012

Stepping down after five years as Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Michel Kazatchkine shares his parting views:  Full letter online here:

“As I leave the Global Fund, I wish in this open letter to share a number of reflections based on the unique perspective that is afforded the Executive Director. My hope is that these observations will contribute to ongoing discussions about the Fund’s future direction as it marks its tenth anniversary and undergoes a challenging process of transition under new leadership”.

His letter goes on to elaborate on five things he wishes to emphasise as he steps down:

1. The Global Fund has been highly effective in its primary role as a financing institution

2. Global Fund financing has allowed countries to achieve unprecedented results and impact in the fight against the three diseases

3. The Global Fund has shown that it is a highly effective mechanism for translating public health and human rights principles into action

4. Partnerships require a lot of attention and work but are the only way to ensure long-term success and sustainability

5. The leadership of the Global Fund needs to carefully assess and strike a balance between competing tensions that are inherent to the Fund’s model