Pacific Friends of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a high-level advocacy organisation which seeks to mobilise regional awareness of the serious threat posed by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria to societies and economies in the Pacific. In pursuing its goals Pacific Friends has a specific interest in highlighting the need to protect the rights of women and children in the Pacific. In February 2009, Pacific Friends was launched under the auspices of the Lowy Institute for International Policy and with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to join the group of Friends of the Global Fund organisations. Pacific Friends also raises support for the Geneva-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the vital role it plays in resourcing effective country-based plans to reduce the impact and spread of the three pandemics. Following generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to join the group of Friends of the Global Fund organisations, Pacific Friends has established itself under the auspices of the University of New South Wales. Through its advocacy Pacific Friends also raises support for the Geneva-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the vital role it plays in resourcing effective country-based plans to reduce the impact and spread of the three pandemics.