PAI Applauds Selection of Gabriel Jaramillo as Head of Global Fund

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Population Action International (PAI) applauds the decision of the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria's Board of Directors to appoint Mr. Gabriel Jaramillo as the Fund's Managing Director. Mr. Jaramillo joined the board of PAI in spring 2011.

As the Global Fund celebrates its tenth anniversary, it has witnessed unprecedented success in financing and catalyzing the response to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Unfortunately, the decade ahead is in jeopardy, due to projected donor funding shortfalls. The Fund needs leadership that engenders confidence in the Fund's fiscal management at this critical moment in its history.

"Mr. Jaramillo is a brilliant choice for an institution struggling to keep up with its own track record for success," said Suzanne Ehlers, PAI's President and CEO. "PAI was honored to welcome him to our Board of Directors, and now we are pleased to see his capacity for leadership and commitment to social good recognized in his appointment to such a key post."

Mr. Jaramillo's vast experience in the financial sector positions him well to tackle the complicated yet critical monetary challenges the Fund faces. During the last year, he was a member of a high-level, independent panel that reviewed the Fund's finances. Mr. Jaramillo's personal commitment to social justice, to global development, and to the well-being of the world's poorest and most vulnerable makes him a unique candidate, who can advance the Fund with global decision-makers.

Mr. Jaramillo most recently served as an advisor to the United Nations Special Envoy for Malaria, a position to which he was appointed in January of 2011. He was also non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sovereign Bank and Santander Holdings USA. Prior to these positions, he was President and CEO of Sovereign Bank from January 2009 to January 2011.

"Gabriel, a long-time colleague, comes from a region of the world that has seen its fair share of economic struggle and social inequality," said Moises Naim, Chairman of PAI's Board of Directors. "The Global Fund's selection of Gabriel sends a hugely important signal to the world that the Fund will remain open for business and will continue to save lives."

SOURCE Population Action International