On February 18, FGFJ held a joint Diet Task Force and Advisory Board meeting with 5 speakers, 6 Diet Task Force members, and 21 Advisory Board members. The featured speakers included the following: Masanori Kawasama (Global TB Project Leader, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association), Shun Mabuchi (New Head of Resilient and Sustainable Systems of Health, Global Fund), Takeshi Akahori (Deputy Director-General for Global Issues, Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Hiroshi Minami (Deputy Director, Health and Medical Strategy Office, Cabinet Secretariat), and Sam Kunii (former Head of Strategy, Investment and Impact, Global Fund).
Dr. Kunii offered a memorable speech summarizing the achievements over his nine-year tenure, touching upon the uniqueness and potential of the Global Fund ahead of the launch of its Investment Case and Preparatory Meeting. In particular, he highlighted initiatives contributing to global health infrastructure and financing, efforts to combat infectious diseases by international organizations, stakeholder collaboration, and multisectoral approaches. Additionally, he discussed the need to rethink global health governance in light of COVID-19 as well as policy goals for a new global health strategy.
Following Dr. Kunii’s presentation, FGFJ launched the Japan version of the Joint Friends Virtual Site Visit video that showcases the GF’s impacts on the ground. The video was well received by Diet members and was followed by discussions among the meeting participants. To watch the full video (with Japanese subtitles), visit YouTube or see below:
The FGFJ Diet Task Force is a multi-party initiative that brings together Diet members to examine ways to broaden Japan’s international role in combating the global threats of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other communicable diseases. The task force convenes several times a year with experts and leaders from around the world. For more information, visit the FGFJ Diet Task Force page.
