Stigma, discrimination and other human rights-related barriers to health services, including punitive laws and practices, not only undermine the human rights of individuals. They also increase people’s risk to HIV, tuberculosis and other health conditions and often make it impossible for those most in need to access health services. What can we all do to tackle human rights related barriers to accessing health services, and to promote and protect the human rights of all? And what is the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria doing to promote and protect human rights and make an immediate difference in people’s access to health?

Marijke Wijnroks became Chief of Staff at the Global Fund in 2013. From June 2017 through February 2018, she served as Interim Executive Director. In her position she has a broad responsibility and a particular focus on gender and human rights and on engaging with all partners in the cause of global health. Before joining the Global Fund Wijnroks was Ambassador for HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and also Deputy Director of the Social Development Department, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands.