§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the United Kingdom has contributed to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in each year: how much is planned to be spent in 2004–05; and if he will make a statement. [134971]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe UK has a long-term commitment to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria and recognises that in order to be effective it needs predictable and sustainable financing. The UK recently extended its pledge by a further two years to 2008 bringing our total contribution to US$280million.
The pattern of our disbursements has been agreed with the Global Fund Secretariat—for the financial year 2002–03, the UK provided £50 million in two separate payments of £25 million, in 2003–04 the UK provided £25 million, and for the financial year 2004–05 we will provide £30 million.
UK funding will be subject to the GFATM reflecting a clear poverty focus, achieving a better financing system, integrating the Fund's activities more effectively with national programmes and meeting agreed benchmarks to monitor its effectiveness. I am pleased to report that good progress was made at the recent 6th Board meeting in Thailand on many of these issues.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds the Government is committed to allocating towards the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria; and what funds have been allocated to date. [135274]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe UK has a long-term financial commitment to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/ AIDS, TB and Malaria which will provide the Fund with a total contribution of $280 million by 2008. The pattern of our disbursements has been agreed with the Global Fund Secretariat and to date these amount to £75 million.