The Global Fund in China: success beyond the numbers
01-Feb-15, The Lancet
In June, 2014, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria completed its support for operations in China. The 10-year partnership between China and the Fund measurably improved China's management of the three diseases, but it also created benefits that extend far beyond the metrics usually used to assess public health programmes. These benefits include deeper engagement with civil society organisations, stronger public health systems, and the implementation of innovative approaches for disease management.
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Access to quality diagnosis and treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) expanded from just two pilot projects in 2006 in two provinces to 92 sites in 30 provinces in 2013. China has also expanded access to innovative rapid diagnosis for MDR-TB in more than 900 counties.
Extraordinary progress was made towards the elimination of malaria. In 2002, the objective was to control malaria's spread; by 2020, the goal will be to eliminate local transmission of the disease entirely. Between 2002 and 2012, the number of Chinese provinces reporting domestic cases of malaria has plummeted from 24 to five, and the number of reported malaria cases decreased from 100,106 cases and 48 deaths in 2005 to 4,498 cases and 33 deaths in 2011.
Finally, China's rate of HIV infection has been stabilised at 0·06%; between 2005 and 2012, the number of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy increased from 19 282 in 2005 to 176 655. HIV prevention outreach services achieved 81% coverage in commercial sex workers and 77% in men who have sex with men (MSM) by 2011.