24 January 2003
Geneva, Switzerland - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today announced the signings of agreements to fund AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria programs in seven countries critically affected by these diseases. Grant agreements have been signed with China, Honduras, Laos, Malawi, Morocco, Panama and Sri Lanka totaling more than $108 million. These agreements are part of the round one proposals approved by the Board of the Global Fund, which commit $616 million over the next two years.
Richard Feachem, Executive Director of the Global Fund, said, "These signings demonstrate that the systems of the Global Fund are up and running. This is a strong start to 2003 as we take the Fund from operation to achievement, delivering to communities all over the world and supporting the common fight against these three deadly diseases."
Susan Chong from the Asia Pacific Council of AIDS Service Organizations Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, said of the Laos and China agreements, "I am pleased that money is going to countries in the Asia Pacific region, because the epidemic is accelerating at such a fast pace here and we have to catch it soon."
Ricardo Maduro, President of the Republic of Honduras, said, "Today we are fulfilling our people's mandate. AIDS is a world reality."
Mr. Touhami Khiari, Minister of Health, The Kingdom of Morocco, said, "The commitment of the Global Fund for my country encourages us in the fight against this fearsome plague."
With these latest signings:
China's malaria and tuberculosis programs are to be intensified with the help of a $28.9 million award. (Fact Sheet)
Honduras' efforts to sustain its fight against AIDS, TB and malaria are receiving a $20.5 million boost. (Fact Sheet)
Malawi is to upscale its HIV/AIDS response through the Fund's grant of $41.8 million. (Fact Sheet)
Morocco's proposal to reinforce its national HIV/AIDS efforts is to benefit from a $4.7 million agreement with the Fund. (Fact Sheet)
Sri Lanka's plans to intensify its TB and malaria programs are helped by $7.9 million from the Fund. (Fact Sheet)
Panama's campaign to curb the spread of tuberculosis is strengthened by US$ 440,000. (Fact Sheet)
The Lao People's Democratic Republic will receive Global Fund support for its HIV and malaria action plans to the sum of $4.5 million. (Fact Sheet)
Along with previously signed agreements with Ghana, Tanzania and Haiti, these latest proposals bring the Global Fund commitments to date to over $150 million. Announcements of more Global Fund grant agreement signings are expected over the next few days amounting to a further $100 million.