Groundbreaking Documentary “A New Picture of Health” Sheds New Light on the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
Jane Goodall narrates footage connecting statistics and data with firsthand accounts from countries around the globe, United Nations Foundation premieres the film at the African Union Summit in Uganda July 26
Kampala, Uganda (Vocus) July 26, 2010
The United Nations Foundation announced a milestone documentary examining the work of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (The Global Fund) 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.”
For more information, see: http://www. unfoundation. org/a-new-picture-of-health.
About the United Nations Foundation
The UN Foundation was created in 1998 with a $1 billion gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner’s to support UN causes and activities. UNF is an advocate for the UN and connects people, ideas and resources to help the United Nations solve global problems. In 2001, the UN Foundation responded to a call to action by, the Secretary General of the United Nations to mobilize resources in support of projects combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The United Nations Foundation works in close partnership with the Global Fund to support and fund efforts needed to prevent and treat people in regions that are most affected by these three diseases.
About the Global Fund
The Global Fund was created in 2002 as a global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. The Global Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases.
About the Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute is a global nonprofit that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. Our work builds on Dr. Goodall’s scientific work and her humanitarian vision.
Media Contact:
Aaron Sherinian, Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
202-887-9040; asherinian(at)unfoundation(dot)org
Negin Janati, Communications and Public Affairs for Global Health
202-378-7858; njanati(at)unfoundation(dot)org
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