HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1124-5W
13. Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to tackle(a) HIV/AIDS, (b) TB, (c) malaria and (d) other fatal diseases. [69884]

Clare Short

Approximately half of infectious disease deaths in developing countries can be attributed to three diseases: HIV, TB and malaria, which cause more than five million deaths per year. DFID is working to strengthen developing countries' health systems to deliver effective services to the poorest. We have committed more than £1 billion to that purpose since 1997. The UK has also taken an active role in the establishment of the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, which is designed to improve provision of drugs and commodities to treat those diseases. DFID has pledged $200 million over five years for the fund.