The Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Alexander Sands, has made an official visit to Uganda, landing at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday morning, May 2, 2024. Upon his arrival, Sands was greeted by a delegation of senior officials from the Ministry of Health, comprising individuals such as Dr. Robert Mutumba, Dr. Saman Zaman, Dr. Patrick Tusiime, Dr. Jimmy Opigo, and Dr. Damian Rutazaana.
Peter Sands is scheduled to convene a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe, alongside key figures from the Ministry of Health. This meeting is expected to address critical health-related matters concerning Uganda’s partnership with the Global Fund.
The Global Fund operates as a global alliance aimed at combatting HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria while striving for a healthier, safer, and more equitable future worldwide. As the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands holds significant responsibilities, overseeing the organization’s operational and administrative functions.
Under the guidance of the Global Fund Board, the executive director plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the partnership and ensuring its effective implementation to achieve desired outcomes.
Peter Sands assumed the role of executive director in March 2018, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Previously, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered PLC, one of the world’s leading international banks. Sands also spent time as a research fellow at Harvard University, focusing on various projects in financial markets, regulation, fintech, and global health.
In 2005, the Global Fund suspended funding to Uganda following an investigation that uncovered instances of “serious mismanagement” of funds. However, in 2023, the Global Fund announced a substantial fund allocation of $587 million to Uganda to combat malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. This allocation reflected Uganda’s demonstrated commitment to proper utilization and direction of previous funding, as well as adherence to best practices in fund administration.
