The Global Fund launched its new funding model in late February, and since then we have received a lot of questions about how funding decisions were made. There is considerable interest in how to access the US$1.9 billion available for the new funding model’s transition period, in 2013 and 2014. The main criteria give priority to countries positioned to achieve rapid impact, to countries facing service interruptions and to countries that have received less than they should under new allocation principles that look primarily at disease burden and national income level. Adjustments are also made to take into account external financing levels provided by other donors. And for the six countries invited as “early applicants” to go through all steps of the application process (from submission of a concept note to creation of a new grant) region and country size are considered, too. We need a diversity of programs and settings and conditions so we can see how the new funding model works during the transition this year and next. That way, we can make refinements and changes as needed.

The Global Fund’s approach to allocation carefully follows decisions on the new funding model made by the Global Fund Board. One important requirement made by the Board was that allocations in the new funding model consider both committed and uncommitted funds, so that the Global Fund’s investment as a whole covers the major gaps and needs across the three diseases in a more strategic way. In addition to the US$1.9 billion in uncommitted funds that will be available in 2013-14, allocations also factor in the much larger amount of funds that were already committed in previous years, and may be disbursed in 2013-2014.

A related point about the new funding model may be relevant to the 47 countries that can apply for funding as “interim applicants” for grant renewals, grant extensions or redesigned programs that can rapidly make use of funds in 2013 and 2014. The Global Fund is taking both committed and uncommitted funds into account as it determines allocation amounts for the 2014-2016 period. In practice, that means that funds that come in 2014 will be considered part of a country’s overall 2014-2016 allocation. In all cases, applicants are encouraged to look at how to use all funds in a way that best delivers impact. Continue Reading.

All of us at Pacific Friends mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague Tadashi Yamamoto in Tokyo in the early hours of last Sunday. Tadashi has been the President of Friends of the Global Fund Japan since its inception in 2004.

We recall Tadashi’s great enthusiasm and tremendous support for the Global Fund, and the energy with which he mobilised support for the Fund in Japan and internationally. Tadashi was an honoured guest at the launch of Pacific Friends in early 2009, and he was always keenly interested in our development.

Beyond the Global Fund, however, Tadashi devoted his life to projects and undertakings that furthered the cause of peaceful development, social progress and cooperative relations between all nations. It was our privilege to know Tadashi and to benefit from his wise advice and profound insights.

On behalf of the Advisory Council and Staff of Pacific Friends, I extend to Tadashi’s family, friends and colleagues our deepest sympathies and condolences.

Bill Bowtell
Executive Director, Pacific Friends of the Global Fund

More tributes and condolances for Tadashi Yamamoto