GAVI welcomes France and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s continued support

© Christophe Duron/ONE

Geneva, 11 October 2012 - The GAVI Alliance welcomes support for GAVI from President François Hollande and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as France’s willingness to maintain its commitments to international development.

The French President yesterday met with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as Bono, co-founder of the non-governmental organization "ONE", together with the French Minister for Development, Pascal Canfin.

During the meeting, France and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stressed that they will jointly continue to support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the GAVI Alliance and UNITAID, according to a press release issued by the Office of the President.

"We are grateful to France and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their commitment,” said GAVI CEO Dr. Seth Berkley. "Our partners’ engagement is crucial if we want to reduce child mortality and protect future generations."

President Hollande reiterated during the meeting that "France is committed to international solidarity and will maintain official development assistance despite the economic and budgetary context."

"Anything that helps to ensure equitable access to health is a welcome step," said Dr. Berkley.