Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death among people living with HIV. In 2013, 360 000 HIV-positive people around the globe died of TB, a disease which is both preventable and curable. Greater commitment and resources are needed to mount an effective response to TB and a high-level round-table event examined how this can be done through the new funding model of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).

The event, which took place in Barcelona, Spain, on 30 October, provided an opportunity to exchange country experiences and information on TB financing and investing for impact. Participants also discussed the challenges and opportunities emerging from the new funding model, which promotes more strategic, flexible and predictable investment. 

On the opening panel, Global Fund Executive Director Mark Dybul was joined by South Africa’s Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, Blessi Kumar of the Global Coalition of TB Activists, USAID TB Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor Amy Bloom and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

The panellists highlighted the importance of social movements and community engagement for more sustainable and inclusive approaches. They recognized the need for additional resources and called for more focused use of existing resources. It was also stressed that approaches to TB and HIV must be people-centred rather than disease-centred.