Fund Against Killer Diseases Hails Donation

UN-Backed Global Fund Against Killer Diseases Hails Japanese Donation

New York, May 23 2008 7:00PM

The United Nations-backed Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today welcomed Japan’s announcement that it will donate $560 million starting next year, which takes the Asian country’s total contribution so far to nearly $1.5 billion.

The new contribution means the Global Fund – created in 2002 – has now raised over $20 billion to invest in hundreds of different treatment and prevention programmes fighting the three diseases around the world.

Programmes backed by the Fund are estimated to have already provided AIDS treatment to 1.4 million patients and TB treatment for 3.3 million people. They have also distributed 46 million insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria.

The Fund’s Executive Director Michel Kazatchkine praised Japan, which is now the third biggest contributor, for its ongoing support.

“These new resources will help to save millions of lives, strengthen health systems in developing nations and bring the world hope that further substantial impact against the three diseases will be achieved in the coming years,” he said.

ends

© Scoop Media