“The United Kingdom showed extraordinary leadership in global health this week by announcing an unequivocal commitment to fighting three of the world’s most infectious diseases,” Mark Dybul, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, writes in the Huffington Post’s “Big Push” blog. “The U.K. has displayed remarkable long-term vision with this commitment,” he states, adding, “Its contribution of £1 billion [$1.6 billion] to the Global Fund for 2014-2016 can allow people in many countries — from presidents to community organizations to health workers — to transform their countries by fighting HIV, TB, and malaria.” He notes, “We are at a critical moment with these deadly diseases and every dollar, and pound, now counts.”

“The U.K.’s Department for International Development (DfID) is a well-established champion in the global effort to end extreme poverty, working directly in 28 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East,” Dybul continues, and discusses some of these efforts. “By pooling resources we will be better positioned to be more effective,” he states, adding, “The U.K. contribution encourages others to contribute more to the fight.” He writes, “Our common goal — to get these three deadly diseases under control — is within reach if we continue working together,” adding, “We are immensely grateful to the British people for allowing us to play a role in saving and dramatically improving the lives of millions of people, their families, communities and countries.” He concludes, “We are strongly encouraging all partners to follow the example of the United Kingdom and to commit more to the Global Fund as we raise funds for our next three-year period. Let’s seize the moment” (9/24).