The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a multi-billion dollar international financing mechanism intended to combat these scourges by dramatically increasing the availability of funding for practical health initiatives. Unlike much international development aid, Global Fund support will be available only to programs that developing countries design and implement themselves. This novel approach means that the ability to continue raising funds from the international community depends on successful results from these country-led programs.

The Access Project for the Global Fund is a joint effort of the Glaser Progress Foundation and Columbia University. Founded by Rob Glaser and economist Jeffrey Sachs, the Access Project offers hands-on strategic planning to governments of developing countries and organizations applying for funding, helping to evaluate existing programs, identify the most successful models and monitor implementation of new programs when those are funded.

During the past year, the Access Project has provided support to Global Fund initiatives in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Rwanda, Angola, Namibia, and Haiti. Initially, Access Project advisers worked with countries to develop funding proposals. While this support was successful and will continue, the project has embarked on its next phase to help countries implement and monitor Global Fund-financed programs.

The Access Project seeks to build a three-way partnership with the Global Fund and countries in need. By helping countries develop proposals and implement projects and by helping to publicize Global Fund success stories, the Access Project hopes to play a meaningful role in ensuring the effectiveness and continued existence of the Global Fund.

The Access Project is housed at the Center for Global Health and Economic Development, a joint venture of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Earth Institute that focuses on mobilizing global health programs to aid resource-poor countries in addressing poverty and the burden of disease.

2001–2005 Access Project Grants
2001 Grant: $186,501
2002 Grant: $450,000
2003 Grant: $1,000,000
2004 Grant: $1,000,000
2005 Grant: $500,000

The Glaser Progress Foundation does not accept grant proposals or solicitations for the Global HIV/AIDS program area.

Links:

• Access Project
• Center for Global Health and Economic Development
• The Earth Institute at Columbia University
• Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
• Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs
• The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Access Project Articles:

• In Rwanda, Clever Use of Technology Helps a Little Go a Long Way, and Faster, Earth Institute News, posted 10/28/05
• Reasons for Supporting the Global Fund include Altruism, Self-Interest: Glaser Progress Foundation encourages communication about global AIDS crisis, Earth Institute News, posted 06/03/04
• Columbia-supported HIV/AIDS Initiative in Rwanda Gains Speed: Country moves to large scale treatment and care for thousands, Earth Institute News, posted 03/23/04
• Developing Countries Count on Columbia University and Glaser Progress Foundation to Utilize Millions from Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Earth Institute News, posted 04/30/03