On June 24—25, 2026, the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)/Friends of the Global Fund, Japan (FGFJ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), organized the Global Fund Procurement Forum in Tokyo. Comprised of a seminar, networking reception, and one-on-one consultation sessions, the forum aimed to strengthen engagement between the Global Fund and Japanese private sector companies interested in contributing to global health through international procurement.
Held in a hybrid format, the seminar attracted approximately 90 participants, including representatives from 34 private companies and organizations, and featured a keynote presentation from Ms. Hui Yang, Head of Supply Operations, on the Global Fund’s procurement and operational mechanisms and the opportunities available for Japanese companies. FUJIFILM also shared its experience in engaging with the Global Fund. The seminar concluded with an active discussion on the challenges and opportunities of participating in the Global Fund procurement system and expanding into international markets.
The seminar was followed by a networking reception hosted by JCIE/FGFJ with the support of MOFA and MHLW. In addition to seminar participants, the reception brought together diplomats from 14 African embassies in Tokyo, including several ambassadors from countries that implement Global Fund programs. Participants explored potential partnerships and business opportunities, such as collaboration on vector control and drone technology. The following day, JCIE/FGFJ coordinated individual consultation sessions between 12 private companies and the Global Fund’s Procurement and External Relations teams to facilitate tailored discussions on the procurement process and potential partnerships.
The procurement forum expanded opportunities for Japanese private sector companies to engage with the Global Fund and reinforced the long-term partnership between the Global Fund and Japan. FGFJ will continue to serve as a bridge between Japan’s private sector and the Global Fund, supporting greater utilization of Japanese technologies and expertise to advance the fight against infectious diseases and improve global health.