HC Deb 26 February 2002 vol 380 cc1116-7W
Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the global fund for AIDS, TB and malaria will aim to treat those already infected with HIV. [37837]

Clare Short

The global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM) is committed to adopting a balanced, integrated approach between treatment and prevention. Moreover, it will work through existing country co-ordination mechanisms wherever possible. These mechanisms will be free to shape any bid for funding around their own assessment and experience of in-country priorities. A decision on which of the first tranche of proposals to support will be made in April by the GFATM board, which has equal representation of donors and developing countries.

Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what procedures the global fund for AIDS, TB and malaria has in place to ensure that those with specific local knowledge of the regions in need are able to play a full part in the decision-making processes of the fund. [37835]

Clare Short

The global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM) has incorporated a number of safeguards to ensure that those with specific local knowledge of the regions in need are able to play a full part in the decision-making process.

Applications to the fund will use existing country co-ordination mechanisms wherever possible. These mechanisms will be free to shape their applications around their own assessment and experience of in-country priorities.

The fund is in the process of establishing a technical review panel made up of experts from developed and developing countries and including those with an in-depth knowledge of working in regions in need. The panel will review applications submitted to the board and make recommendations to the board. The board, which itself comprises an equal number of representatives from developed and developing world countries, plus representatives from NGOs and the private sector, will take the final decisions on funding.

Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria has an overall policy to purchase drugs at the lowest possible cost. [37836]

Clare Short

Yes. The global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM) has an overall policy to purchase drugs at the lowest possible price consistent with the trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) agreement and the Doha ministerial declaration on TRIPS and public health.

Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development where and how the resources of the global fund for the alleviation of AIDS, TB and Malaria are being disbursed for health systems and treatments; what strategies were decided upon when the fund's management board met on 28 January; and if she will commit additional resources to the fund. [37838]

Clare Short

No decisions on disbursements from the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) will be made until the second board meeting in April. However, the fund does have agreed principles and an operating framework. The UK contributed to the process of agreeing these and was content with the outcome.

The first board meeting on 28–29 January resulted in the fund being legally established as a foundation in Switzerland. The board approved a call for proposals and finalised a set of guidelines for their submission, which also explain the proposal review process.

The main challenge for the fund in its first year will be to demonstrate value added and effectiveness in its use of the funds already committed. Donors including the UK will consider the level of future contributions in light of the fund's initial performance.

Pakistan
Emergency short-term assistance Allocation (£000) Spend to 20 February 2002 (£000) Advanced or invoiced (£000) Total (£000) Percentage
Lady health workers 5,200 — 4,424 4,424 85
NWFP Drugs 1,000 — 592 592 59
Balochistan Drugs 1,000 — 559 559 56
Sarhad rural support 1,100 309 342 651 59
Social marketing of condoms 2,700 1,944 527 2,471 92
Total 11,000 2,253 6,444 8,697 79

Notes:

Total column reflects expected expenditure in the current financial year, as agreed with Government of Pakistan based on need and absorptive capacity.

Balance of funds should disburse by end May.