Gay.com
Friday, January 31, 2003

On Friday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson was elected to chair the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

A delegate to the fund since it was established last year, Thompson succeeds Chrispus Kiyonga from Uganda for a one-year term, which may be extended to two years.

In accepting the post, Thompson said, "I look forward to working with the board to ensure that we fund financially sound projects that achieve maximum results."

The announcement drew skepticism from some HIV prevention advocates, in the United States and abroad, who believe that the Bush administration has not pledged enough money to the Global Fund.

"Today's appointment of Tommy Thompson as chair is unacceptable" because it "is sending the message that if you flatline the fund, you get a pat on the back," said Asia Russell, director of international policy for Health GAP, an AIDS and human rights activist group.

Others, however, welcomed the announcement and noted that Thompson's leadership may signal a deeper U.S. government commitment to the fund.

Eric Goosby, M.D., head of the San Francisco-based Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, called the announcement "good news," adding: "Secretary Thompson took the time to see Africa very soon after taking office. He took the time to see HIV in all its manifestations from children orphaned to those turned away from hospitals and clinics without treatment."

"Anything that strengthens the (fund's) relationship with Washington and builds confidence with the Global Fund in the administration can only help in gaining the substantial resources we need," said Richard G.A. Feachem, the executive director of the fund.

The Global Fund was established in January of last year, at the request of the United Nations, to gather governmental, corporate and private donations into one source that focuses aid on three of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world.

The U.N. estimated that at least $7 billion annually is needed to combat AIDS, and the Bush administration has so far pledged $500 million. The fund currently has pledges of $2.2 billion, according to the Washington Post.

Thompson's appointment comes on the heels of President Bush's pledge on Tuesday of $10 million in new money over five years to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and the Caribbean. Of that sum, $1 billion, or $200 million per year, is earmarked for the Global Fund.