The United Nations announced new pledges to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria at its Global Fund Conference in New York on Tuesday. Public and private donors of the fund made commitments worth 11.5 billion US dollars over the next three years. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the money would impact the lives of millions.
"This is more than we did the last time at the last replenishment conference. And it is enough to give millions of people living in fear a new lease on life. "
More than forty countries, private foundations and cooperations were asked to make pledges that fell short of the 13 billion dollars the UN was hoping to raise. But Ban especially praised the United States, France, Japan, Canada and Norway for their increased donations.
"At a time when so many governments are tightening their belts, and these commitments send a powerful message. It shows that many world leaders want to do the right thing beyond their borders, too. "
Since its creation in 2002, the global fund has become the main source of finance for programs to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria. It provides 1/4 of all international financing for Aids globally, 2/3 for tuberculosis, and 3/4 for malaria. Today it has channelled almost 20 billion dollars to support prevention and treatment programs against the three diseases. Aids, tuberculosis and malaria together kill millions of people each year, most of them in the world's poorest countries.
Simon Herman, Reuters.
