FGFJ hosted a reception to welcome Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund, who was visiting Japan for the first time in two years. Over 100 people from various fields, including government, civil society, the private sector, and academia, gathered at the event.
The event also featured the inaugural presentation of FGFJ’s “Leadership Awards” to honor and celebrate Japan’s leadership in fighting the world’s three major infectious diseases. Five awards were presented to individuals and organizations from various sectors who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to measures in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and to Japan’s support for the Global Fund. FGFJ’s Advisory Board and Diet Task Force members presented the trophies to awardees.
Mr. Sands congratulated the award recipients and thanked them for the important role they have played in the fight against the three diseases, as well as for their strong support of the Global Fund.
Awardees
Legislature: Hon. Fumio Kishida, Former Prime Minister
Fumio Kishida was the first Japanese Prime Minister to attend a Global Fund replenishment conference, where he reaffirmed Japan’s 7th replenishment pledge that was announced during TICAD 8, creating momentum for other countries to pledge their support.
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Academia: Prof. Junko Tanuma, Department of Infectious Diseases at the School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare
Involved in both HIV treatment and research in Japan and abroad, Professor Tanuma has continued to appeal for people’s solidarity, showing that domestic infectious disease control and international cooperation are interconnected issues.
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Media: Ms. Yu Miyaji, Senior Staff Writer and Columnist, Asahi Shimbun
Ms. Miyaji has written broadly on the issue of HIV/AIDS, which is rarely discussed in Japan in recent years. Her work synthesizes information from communities on the ground, scientific advancements, and trends in the international community.
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Business: Takeda Pharmaceutical (represented by Ms. Takako Ohyabu, Chief Global Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer)
Takeda Pharmaceutical was recognized for its 15 years of continuous support of infectious disease prevention in Africa, making it the longest partnership between a corporate donor and the Global Fund. Through the Takeda Initiative, Takeda Pharmaceutical has supported projects in Africa to strengthen human resource capacities in health and integrate infectious disease services into maternal and child health care.
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Civil Society: Prof. Masayoshi Tarui, Former Vice Chair, Japan AIDS & Society Association; Professor Emeritus, Keio University (awarded posthumously; accepted by his wife, Ms. Yukiko Tarui)
Professor Tarui engaged in AIDS countermeasures for many years from a bioethical perspective. In particular, he promoted the protection of the human rights of those affected by infectious diseases and encouraged their participation, not as passive recipients but as implementers, to fight against infectious diseases.
