Chevron's commitment to Global Fund-supported programs in Asia and Africa sets a new standard for corporate contributions on public health issues. It also demonstrates the high regard that Chevron, one of the world's leading corporations, has for the effectiveness and results-driven approach of Global Fund programs.

GBC, the official focal point of the private sector delegation to the Global Fund, played an instrumental role in introducing Chevron to the Global Fund, and will continue to seek strategic opportunities for additional GBC members to become Global Champions.

In naming Chevron its first such champion, the Global Fund cited the company's firm commitment to HIV/AIDS action, including its standout workplace programming, which last year was formally recognized by GBC as best in class.

The Ikhwezi Community Centre provides skills and services to support the daily needs of HIV/AIDS-affected families in the community of Paarl outside Cape Town, South Africa. Chevron and its employees have supported Ikhwezi's programs, which include both a school and day care center.

The company has set the bar high for HIV/AIDS best practices with its Global HIV/AIDS Policy, which includes: enacting a strong nondiscrimination policy that includes HIV/AIDS provisions; ensuring that employment decisions are not based on HIV status; keeping HIV-positive employees' information confidential; providing employees with HIV/AIDS or another life-threatening illness access to treatment and support; and offering customized workplace- and community-based education, prevention, and treatment programs.

"Chevron recognizes the strength and contribution its partnerships and collaboration models have brought to our global HIV/AIDS policy and community engagement programs," said Peter Robertson, Former Vice Chairman of Chevron. "Our longstanding relationship with The Global Business Coalition and shared commitment to the role that public-private partnerships can play in improving health around the world have been instrumental in us becoming the first member of The Global Fund's Corporate Champions program."

"Chevron's strategic investment in the Global Fund sets a standard others should aspire to," said Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, GBC's President and CEO. "This exceptional new commitment to global health supplements Chevron's on-going programming on HIV, TB and malaria, which is already recognized as best of class. The Chevron-Global Fund partnership will enhance already strong programs in hard-hit regions, strengthen local communities and bring Chevron's business skills and human resources to bear on some of the most daunting challenges of our time."

The Global Fund will select additional Corporate Champions in the future, with each company making a financial contribution to Global Fund-supported programs in countries where it operates, thereby significantly expanding upon its own workplace and community projects and investing in rigorously monitored and results-focused health programs aligned with national needs and strategies. In addition, Corporate Champions will leverage their core competencies to improve the effectiveness and reach of health programs.