The Global Fund, an international financing organisation that provides funding to combat prevalent health diseases in low- and middle-income countries, has requested President William Ruto's assistance in raising crucial funds ahead of its upcoming fundraising cycle.
In a statement released on Monday, March 3, State House revealed that the international body had sought Ruto’s support in leveraging his global networks to raise funds aimed at curbing HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.
“The Global Fund has sought President William Ruto’s support to mobilise funds to end HIV, TB, and malaria,” the statement read in part.
“In a letter addressed to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the Fund requested the President to help them using his global networks,” the statement added.
According to the organisation, Ruto’s input would be key ahead of their Eighth Replenishment, three years after their Seventh Replenishment where Ruto assisted them in raising a record figure.
"With your commitment and the leadership of President Ruto, I am confident you can deliver a successful Eighth Replenishment,” stated Peter Sands, Executive Director at Global Fund.
Ruto’s assistance has been touted as highly influential to the organisation’s works, especially at a time when external funding is in jeopardy. United States President Donald Trump recently cut funding towards the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which was key in funding health programs in critical areas such as HIV/AIDS treatment, leaving Kenya’s health sector with a gaping hole in its kitty.
During the Seventh Replenishment, Kenya’s and Ruto’s role was lauded as it played co-host in 2022 for the Preparatory Meeting for the fundraiser which amassed a record $15.7 billion (Ksh2 trillion) in funding.
The Global Fund raises money from donor countries, private sector partners, and foundations before disbursing it to countries based on their needs and proposals. It employs a country-led approach, where instead of directly implementing programmes, it supports local governments, NGOs, and health organisations in executing health initiatives.
Since its inception in 2002, the Global Fund has invested over Ksh300 billion in Kenya, providing crucial assistance in the prevention and treatment of HIV, TB, and malaria.
As of June 2024, the Global Fund has approved six new grants totalling $407 million (Ksh52.5 billion) to support Kenya's efforts against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria for the 2024-2026 period.
The funds will aid in reducing new HIV infections by 75 per cent, decreasing AIDS-related mortality by 50 per cent, and lowering mother-to-child transmission to below five per cent. Additionally, they will enhance TB treatment coverage, strengthen TB-HIV collaboration, and ensure the continued distribution of insecticidal nets while improving malaria prevention and treatment services.
In his time as President, Ruto has perhaps earned an unwanted reputation for acquiring loans from international bodies and other foreign countries in the region of billions which according to him are aimed towards implementing his development agenda in the country.
