The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has not threatened to withdraw any funding from South Africa, despite media speculation following comments made by Richard Feachem, executive director of the organization, according to a Global Fund release (Global Fund release, 5/28). In comments made to the South African Broadcasting Company, Feachem said that the South African government is failing to disburse Global Fund money to organizations combating the disease on the ground and that the fund may withdraw money as a result. Feachem said, "It's intolerable that the money gets stuck in Pretoria and if Pretoria can't move it for any reason, we will simply withdraw it and establish direct relationships with the people actually doing the work" (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 5/26). However, the Global Fund "remains committed" to working with the South African government to "ensure rapid and efficient implementation" of programs financed by the Global Fund, according to the release. South Africa "plays an important role" in the fund's governance by holding a seat on the board, and collaboration between the fund and the South African government remains "productive and positive," according to the release. The Global Fund has approved a total of $234 million in grants over five years for HIV/AIDS treatment and care programs in South Africa, according to the release (Global Fund release, 5/28).

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