§ 13. Mr. HendrickTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the new Global Health Fund to combat malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in developing countries. [6125]
§ Clare ShortThe Global Health Fund is being designed to make available more and better drugs and commodities for the prevention and treatment of malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS in the poorest countries. It will also provide some associated health systems strengthening to ensure supplies are delivered safely, effectively and equitably.
297WSenior officials from my Department met with other donors, developing countries and multilateral agencies on 11–12 October in order to agree details so that the fund can be launched into operation by 1 January 2002. The UK has pledged US $200 million over five years. Total pledges to date amount to US $1.8 billion.