Global health, a french commitment
In recent decades, France has made a major financial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (particularly through its contribution to the Global Fund), and promoting maternal and child health (particularly through the French Muskoka Fund). France is maintaining its high level political and financial commitment to multilateral funds, contributing around €700 million a year since 2013. France is also calling for broadening of the public and private donor base.
By announcing a 20% increase in its contribution at the 6th Global Fund Replenishment Conference in Lyon, France clearly reaffirmed its support for global health, through its multilateral commitment but also through bilateral levers, of which L'Initiative is a key player.
Health is both a condition and a tool for human and economic development. Tackling diseases, health security, research, innovations and the increasing share of the health industry in global economy make health a major priority for France.
France's contribution has been characterized for many years by:
- Its commitment to the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria (Global Fund).
- Promoting maternal and child health: funding the French Muskoka Fund to the tune of 100 million Euros per year for the period 2011-2015.
- Leading advocacy for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Innovation in health: France is UNITAID's largest donor, with more than 1.7 billion euros in contributions since its creation (60% of the organization's cumulative resources since 2006).
- Exporting the French hospital model.
Health is therefore a major focus of France's contribution at international level, and has been the subject of major consultations involving civil society, ministries and public agencies that jointly developed a global health strategy for the 2017-2021 period. The ambition of this renewed strategy is to meet major health challenges in the world based on French values and expertise, according to the following guiding principles:
- A rights-based approach.
- The promotion of universal access to health, particularly by fighting all forms of inequality.
- National ownership.
- French attractiveness and influence, particularly in the fields of health training, research and innovation.
Through a cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder, coordinated and concerted approach, and a cross-cutting vision of strengthening health systems, this renewed commitment must help countries to implement universal health coverage.
France has adopted a global health strategy for the years 2017 - 2021, based on a cross-cutting approach with 4 objectives:
- 1 - Strengthen health systems while fighting diseases
Achieve Universal Health Coverage by promoting health systems that are accessible, durable, resilient and of high quality using an integrated approach to communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
- 2 - Strengthen international health security
Combat emerging diseases and promote the implementation of the International Health Regulations, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 3 - Promote public health for all populations
Promote prevention, treatment and care for women, young people, and those living in vulnerable situations
- 4 - Promote French expertise, training, research and innovation
Mobilize French and French-speaking expertise, support innovative funding and train human resources adapted to the health system of tomorrow.