European Government Representatives, Private Sector Partners Launch Friends of Global Fund Europe

Several European companies, government representatives, and members of the private sector and civil society on Tuesday partnered to launch the group Friends of the Global Fund Europe to mobilize public opinion and financial support for the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the International Herald Tribune reports (Kanter, International Herald Tribune, 4/20). The group, which follows in the footsteps of Friends of the Global Fund Japan and U.S.-based Friends of the Global Fight, aims to raise awareness about the needs and activities of the fund, encourage the development of public-private partnerships and develop new sources of international financing. "Mobilizing support around the world for the role of the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is of paramount importance," Global Fund Executive Director Richard Feachem said, adding, "Urgent action is needed to turn back the tide of these three diseases, and we warmly welcome the arrival of Friends of the Global Fund Europe as a vital new resource of commitment and energy." Friends of the Global Fund Europe Chair Michele Barzach said, "The consequences of these epidemics go beyond the dramatic situation of public health. The world's work forces and tomorrow's resources are directly concerned. Friends of the Global Fund Europe will also concentrate their efforts on the reinforcement of partnerships between public and private actors in all European countries" (Global Fund release, 4/19).