Assembly/AU/Decl.6 (II) Page 2 GFATM has made significant financial commitments to concrete programs to fight these diseases in Africa and disbursements are already underway. However, we underscore the need for major new and sustainable financing (3 billion US dollars by the end of 2004) for the Fund from donor nations. These will ensure that resources made available to fight the diseases rise to a new and more realistic level given the scale of the epidemics; Recognize that health systems in our region need to be strengthened, adequately equipped and financed to provide quality and effective care against diseases and particularly against HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and ORID in view of their devastating effects on society; Reaffirm our commitment to achieving the goals we set concerning health sector financing in our States and recommit ourselves to meet the target of 15% of national budget to be allocated to health. We reiterate our readiness to mobilize more internal resources for this struggle, in partnership with the private sector, civil society and all other stakeholders. We are convinced that the scaling up of health interventions for HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and ORID prevention, care treatment and support can significantly contribute to the overall reduction of morbidity and mortality and to the improvement of the quality of life of those infected and affected by these diseases; Warmly Welcome the recent announcement by President George W. Bush of the United States of America, to provide US dollar 15 billion within the next five years for the combating of HIV/AIDS in Africa. We express the hope that the funds will be released in due time to enable the realization of the set goals and objectives. We call on the US government to appropriate 3 billion US dollars in 2004, a significant amount of which should be allocated to the Global Fund; Are Aware that provision of quality care, support and treatment to HIV/AIDS patients are important aspects of prevention and control, and require coordination and harmonization of policies, strategies and programs to obtain maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We are convinced that HIV/AIDS care, support and treatment are essential components of prevention and control and can help address the stigma and discrimination associated with this disease and thus significantly contribute to the reduction of its spread and to the survival of those infected and affected; Recognise the urgent need to alleviate the impact of the HIV/AIDS on the lives of orphans and their long-term development prospects. In this regard, appropriate policies including legal and programmatic frameworks, as well as essential services for the most vulnerable children, should be adopted and applied at all levels. The challenge is to keep parents alive through effective treatment and prevention as a first vital step; WE, THEREFORE, SOLEMNLY: 1. REAFFIRM the commitments enshrined in the Abuja Declaration and Plan of Action on Roll Back Malaria, and the Abuja Declaration and Framework Plan of Action on HIV/AIDS, TB and ORID and REITERATE our commitment to intensify and consolidate efforts for their implementation; 2. URGE the international community to honour their pledges by disbursing the funds needed to fully execute the programs for prevention, care, support and treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and ORID, especially through the Global Fund, the World Bank Multi-country AIDS Programmes and other initiatives, including removing conditionalities associated with debt relief and others that contribute to constraining health sector spending; 3. ALSO URGE the Global Fund and recipients of its funding, to work together to develop simpler and expeditious mechanisms to ensure that these large additional financial