WHO Stop TB Department and the Stop TB Partnership offer their congratulations to Professor Michel Kazatchkine on his appointment as Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Professor Kazatchkine, from France, has for many years been a strong and committed supporter of the TB community through his participation in high-level TB events. He has also served as a member of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of WHO's Stop TB Department, contributing to the development of international health policies particularly in the areas of TB and TB/HIV co-infection.
WHO Stop TB and the Stop TB Partnership Secretariat look forward to continuing collaboration with the Global Fund to ensure TB control efforts are provided the necessary resources, especially in countries where long-term TB funding is in most need.
The Global Fund provides the majority of external funding for TB and has approved more than 140 TB grants, totalling $US 2.1 billion, since its creation in 2002.
"I am delighted that Professor Kazatchkine has been selected as the Executive Director," said Dr Mario Raviglione, Director, Stop TB Department, WHO. "Professor Kazatchkine has aligned himself as a leader in the fight against tuberculosis. His energies and commitment will ensure the Global Fund's impact and visibility is strengthened as it moves forward into a new five-year cycle."
His comments were echoed by Dr Marcos Espinal, Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership: "Professor Kazatchkine has been a long-term supporter and ally of the Stop TB Partnership. We are looking forward to working closely with Prof Kazatchkine to Stop TB. The next ten years will be crucial to tackle the TB pandemic in light of its close association with HIV/AIDS and the increasing presence of drug-resistant tuberculosis. A strong Stop TB Partnership / Global Fund relationship is a must."
WHO Stop TB Department, the Stop TB Partnership Secretariat, and the Global Fund recently co-organized Workshops on grant negotiation and implementation of Global Fund Round 6 TB proposals. These workshops are intended to facilitate the effective implementation of the 34 successful TB proposals.