A Governance Scoping Team from the Global Fund (GF) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, visited Lilongwe from June 10 to 13, 2024, to plan essential activities for the upcoming 52nd Global Fund Board meeting scheduled for November.

Led by Max Muller, Deputy Head and Governance Team leader at GF, the team held crucial discussions with key stakeholders in Malawi, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, the foreign affairs department, and the country’s organizing committee for the 52nd GF board meeting.

These discussions were vital in aligning expectations and coordinating efforts to ensure the success of the forthcoming board meeting.

Muller highlighted that the event presents a unique opportunity for Malawi to demonstrate the significant progress made through Global Fund grants. It is a chance to celebrate successes and showcase the concrete impact of the funds on Malawi's National HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria programs.

Dr. Doreen Sanje, Ministry of Health Global Fund Program Implementation Unit (PIU) Programme Manager, praised the detailed discussions with the Governance Team Scoping Mission. She expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts would lead to a highly successful Global Fund meeting in November. The in-person interactions allowed both Global Fund and Malawi to articulate their visions and expectations for the event, laying the groundwork for a productive exchange of ideas and strategies.

Malawi's selection as the host of the 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting reflects the country's dedication to the guiding principles and operational excellence demonstrated in its expression of interest. Through the Ministry of Health, the primary recipient of Global Fund grants, Malawi has demonstrated its preparedness and ability to organize a seamless and impactful board meeting.

Accompanying Muller were Eva Trujilo Herrera, Senior Governance Officer; Osian Jones, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager for Malawi; Rebecca Phillips, Media and Communications Events Manager; Marielle Mellinet and Thomas Ehlers, Events Managers and IT Support Officer respectively; and William Helfand, Senior Security Officer.