02 March 2007
Geneva - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today enthusiastically welcomes Japan's announcement of a new contribution of US$186 million.
This pushes Japan's contributions to the Global Fund to more than US$ 662 million since its creation in 2002, making it the organization's third-largest donor.
"Japan has been a strong supporter of the Global Fund ever since leaders of G8 countries called for its creation at their meeting in Okinawa in 2000," said former Prime Minister of Japan and chair of the Board of "Friends of the Fund Japan" Yoshiro Mori. "Millions of people around the world, infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, depend on the resources of the Global Fund. Japan is taking its responsibility to help these people to heart."
The Japanese contribution comes as the Global Fund prepares for its second replenishment process, which will begin on 6 and 7 March with a meeting in Oslo, hosted by the Norwegian government.
"Japan's new contribution to the Global Fund is setting an example for other countries to follow," said Sir Richard Feachem, Executive Director of the Global Fund. "The Japanese government recognizes the Global Fund as an effective way to reach millions of people suffering from these terrible pandemics. This new commitment will enable us to help millions more."
To date, tens of millions of people have already been reached with lifesaving services provided through the Global Fund. Programs benefiting from Global Fund resources have provided antiretroviral treatment to 770,000 people with HIV, treated two million people with effective tuberculosis medications and distributed 18 million insecticide-treated bed nets to protect children and families from malaria.