Our Principles
The Global Fund was founded on a set of principles (these are fully described in the Global Fund's Framework Document [ PDF - 751 KB ]) that guides everything we do - from governance to grant-making:
Operate as a financial instrument, not an implementing entity.
Make available and leverage additional financial resources.
Support programs that evolve from national plans and priorities.
Operate in a balanced manner in terms of different regions, diseases and interventions.
Pursue an integrated and balanced approach to prevention and treatment.
Evaluate proposals through independent review processes.
Operate with transparency and accountability
Operate as a financial instrument, not an implementing entity
The Global Fund's purpose is to attract, manage and disburse resources to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. It does not implement programs directly, relying instead on a broad network of partnerships with other development organizations on the ground to supply local knowledge and technical assistance where required.
Make available and leverage additional financial resources
The Global Fund is charged with raising large sums of money which neither replace nor reduce other resources to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. It addresses gaps in country efforts to fight the three diseases and strengthen underlying health systems by financing programs that complement those of other donors, and seeks to use its own grants to stimulate further investment by both donors and recipients.
Support programs that evolve from national plans and priorities
The innovative Global Fund model finances programs developed by the recipient countries themselves in line with national strategic health plans and priorities. The requirement that all areas of society with a stake in public health be involved in the development process, including civil society and private sector, ensures strong and comprehensive programs.
Operate in a balanced manner in terms of different regions, diseases and interventions
The Global Fund gives priority to financing programs from countries with low income and high disease burden, though it will also consider programs from countries in the higher World Bank income brackets. While it finances the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria worldwide, the Global Fund's demand-driven approach ensures that the money is going where it is most needed.
Pursue an integrated and balanced approach to prevention and treatment.
The Global Fund takes a comprehensive approach to AIDS, TB and malaria, funding both prevention and treatment based on locally determined needs.
Evaluate proposals through independent review processes.
The Global Fund's use of an independent Technical Review Panel ensures that limited resources are invested in technically sound programs with the greatest chances of success. The panel includes disease experts, as well as experts in the field of development who are able to assess how proposed programs complement ongoing health and poverty reduction efforts at the country level.
Operate with transparency and accountability.
The Global Fund holds its recipients accountable to strict standards that require programs to reach specific targets throughout the life of the grant. The public can track the progress of all grants via this website, which also publishes independent evaluations of the organization’s own performance and shares the documents discussed at Board meetings.