The United Nations Foundation announced a milestone documentary examining the work of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria and its ongoing impact in saving millions of lives, particularly of women and children, across the developing world.
At present, 4.9 million lives –3,600 a day – have been saved by Global Fund programs. The film takes an in‐depth look at initiatives supported by the Global Fund and presents a timely perspective on its work to empower local communities, strengthen health systems, and create healthier, more productive societies.
“This documentary chronicles how investments in health are empowering communities and putting an end to diseases of poverty; I was deeply moved through narrating the film,” said Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and renowned conservationist who has spent 50 years working in central Africa. “The film is a powerful testament of individuals, communities, and nations working together to improve the lives of millions. It is my fervent hope that viewers will be inspired to join this important fight.”
The documentary, called “A New Picture of Health,” includes compelling footage and direct impact stories of the Global Fund’s programs in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Indonesia, and was filmed in broadcast-quality Hi Definition by filmmaker David Evans in April and May of 2010.
The Global Fund is a unique global public-private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. To date, the Global Fund has committed over $10.9 billion to Africa, making it the single largest multilateral financing mechanism for the health sector in that region.
“At times, the impact of our work cannot be conveyed through numbers, graphs, and charts. By showing firsthand glimpses of the power that improved health systems bring to people all over the world, this film renews our collective determination to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria to the finish,” said Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund.
2010 is an important year for The Global Fund, as it faces a replenishment need of between $13 and $20 billion over three years (2011-2013). Of this amount, more than half will support programs in Africa. The Global Fund’s replenishment occurs at a critical point—the two-thirds mark in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
“Each year, hundreds of thousands of women lose their lives during pregnancy or childbirth, and close to 8 million children die before their fifth birthday,” added Kathy Calvin, Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Foundation. “Full replenishment of the Global Fund will propel the United Nations Joint Action Plan for Women and Children’s Health, established by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to prevent millions of needless deaths and improve the well-being of mothers and children everywhere.”
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Goodall as a partner in this important film project that captures impact of investments in health,” said Dr. Daniel J. Carucci, MD, PhD, Vice President for Global Health with the United Nations Foundation and the film’s Executive Producer. “Dr. Goodall shares our passion and commitment for bringing all stakeholders together to see a healthier, stronger, and more productive world.”
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