India has recently made a significant contribution of $22 million to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFTAM). This major act of generosity represents not only an effort to combat three of the world’s deadliest diseases but also a step toward stronger international solidarity. The investment will be used to bolster global health systems and aims to save an additional 16 million lives worldwide.
The Global Fund: An International Partnership
Established in 2002, the Global Fund is a multi-pronged partnership designed to pool resources from across the planet. The fund, which totalled at $2 billion, strategically invests in programs aimed at bringing an end to the epidemics of Tuberculosis (TB), Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and Malaria. India has been a key partner with the Global Fund since its inception, contributing both as a donor and recipient.
| Year | Total Investment |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $2 Billion |
Tuberculosis: A Global Health Issue
Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which primarily affect the lungs. Spread via air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits, TB is preventable and curable. About one-third of the global population has latent TB, meaning they have been infected but are not yet ill or able to transmit the disease. In recognition of the importance of addressing this health issue, World TB Day is recognized on March 24 every year.
HIV-AIDS: In Dire Need of a Cure
The Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that severely impacts the body’s immune system by attacking CD4, a type of White Blood Cell (T cells). As T cells play a vital role in detecting anomalies and infections in cells, an HIV infection can leave the body extremely vulnerable. Despite extensive research, no cure or vaccine for the virus exists yet, leaving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as the only treatment option for those infected. The world commemorates World AIDS Day on December 1st each year, highlighting both the ongoing struggle against the disease and potential solutions.
Malaria: A Preventable Disease
Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transferred to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, also known as “malaria vectors”. Recognizing the disease’s ongoing global prevalence, World Malaria Day is observed on April 25th each year. It’s important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially endorses disease-specific global awareness days only for four diseases namely HIV-AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Hepatitis (on July 28).
