Standard Bank has been rewarded with an Excellence in Business Action award for its role in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria.

The award was presented by the Global Business Coalition (GBC)  on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in the core competency category for the work the bank  has done with the Global Fund.

According to a statement, signed by Nicolas Demey, Corporate Partnerships Officer, Standard Bank, since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has become the main source of finance for programmes to fight the three diseases, with approved funding of US$19.2 billion for health programmes in 144 countries, providing almost a quarter of all international financing for AIDS globally and two-thirds for tuberculosis and malaria.

He stated that in 2008, Standard Bank signed a pro-bono services partnership with the Global Fund, with its role being to provide financial and project management expertise, and also practical support services for grant-receiving projects.

He explained that this is to ensure that funds reach the grantees in a timely manner, as well as assisting with ongoing administration and reporting requirements.
He said, “Standard Bank provides free advisory services and training to in-country Global Fund grant recipients in order to up skill their personnel in the area of financial management.
“In signing the partnership, Standard Bank demonstrated its commitment to fighting disease in Africa, its main market.
“The partnership has enabled Standard Bank to meet the needs of African communities by using its core competencies to improve the financial and operational management performance of Global Fund recipients, while aligning its efforts with its long-term business interests.

Also speaking, Udo Raab, Director of Government and International Organisations, Standard Bank Plc said, “Standard Bank has a vested interest in ensuring that we make an impact in the lives of people through ridding our communities of these debilitating and deadly diseases.

“Apart from Standard Bank’s interest in supporting the fight against the three diseases, the idea of an initiative with the Global Fund originated from our links with the UN organisations. It was only natural that Standard Bank should seek out the organisation as a key partner.”

The bank further stated that the partnership with GBC kicked off in early 2009 in four pilot countries: Lesotho, Nigeria, Swaziland and Uganda (Mozambique and Zimbabwe have been added in 2010).

“The Global Fund’s partnership with Standard Bank is an excellent example of how the corporate sector in Africa can play a constructive role to support the fight against the three diseases,” said Professor Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund.  “By supporting program implementers in financial management, Standard Bank is increasing the effectiveness of the money invested by the Global Fund.”

Speaking in the same vein, Clive Tasker, Chief Executive, Standard Bank Africa, said, “Standard Bank has a proven commitment to health, and in particular AIDS. In 2008, we were awarded the GBC’s award for business excellence for our HIV/AIDS wellness programme.

This new award further demonstrates that we are more than just a bank, but a partner to our communities in Africa and are committed to creating meaningful partnerships and solutions that will contribute to the success to the continent,” says.

“The award is an endorsement on our continuous efforts to be relevant to our communities and we are proud to have been able to have these efforts recognised.”