§ Dr. TongeAsked the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Global Fund directors on the funding available for the third round of grants in October 2003; and if she will make a statement. [100632]
§ Clare ShortMy Department is in regular contact with the Global Fund.
The primary role of the fund is to provide drugs and commodities for the prevention and treatment of AIDS, TB and Malaria. The UK is firmly committed to fighting these three diseases. We have pledged $200m over 5 years to the Fund, $80m of which has been disbursed. In addition we have committed over £1.5 billion since 1997 to support the development of health systems in poorer countries. Strengthening such systems is vital if 1240W the drugs and commodities made available through the fund are to be safely and sustainably supplied to the poor.
Wherever possible the Global Fund should be providing support behind strategies that help deliver sustainable improvements in healthcare. The fund has strong founding principles in this regard but performance to date in this regard has been disappointing.
Our future support for the fund will depend on its effectiveness. It is one of several possible instruments designed to improve basic health care in poor countries.