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How do we make sure that financing for development
brings useful benefits to the people who need them most, the poorest
two billion?
My view is clear. We must invest in people so that
they are able to leave poverty behind.
We now know that poverty reduction is not possible
unless people are healthy.
The analysis of the Commission on Macroeconomics
and Health shows that disease is a drain on economies. Conversely,
investment in health spurs economic growth.
Investment in global health can save eight million
lives each year and secure an annual return of US$ 360
billion.
We know what needs to be done.
Any serious attempt to stimulate global economic
and social development and promote human security must tackle the
major disease burdens: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as
maternal and child conditions, and poor nutrition.
Goals are laid out in the Millennium Declaration.
We have the cost for our stepped up action on
health.
US$ 27 billion per year in development assistance.
In other words, just one penny on each ten dollars of economic output
of wealthy countries. A similar amount would come from developing
countries themselves.
We know how to do it.
New alliances are showing the way. They are helping
poor communities to receive HIV care, roll back malaria, stop TB,
tackle sleeping sickness, eliminate leprosy, control diabetes, reduce
tobacco use, immunize their children and combat other childhood
infections.
They show the need for concrete goals, agreed
strategies and specific time frames. Civil society, private entities,
researchers, and the media all have a role.
Results matter too, so we must do more to measure
and report on progress.
New finance is coming available through the Global
Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, and the Vaccine Fund. Donors are
committed to doing more.
Stewardship by the Government is essential.
Now is the time for Ministries of Health and
Finance to scale up health action. They should build on best practice,
establish baselines, develop operational targets and finance
plans.
New tools are needed for this great battle.
We have public-private alliances to develop
medicines for malaria and tuberculosis, vaccines for AIDS and other
diseases that burden poor peoples.
Nations have agreed safeguards to international
trade agreements so that the poorest countries can better access
medicines and commodities.
Chair,
Trade is an important engine of growth.
However, only a fortunate few will benefit unless
all women and men are healthy and educated.
Thank you.
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