UN/IRELAND:Ireland is to contribute €25 million next year to a worldwide fund aimed at the prevention and control of TB, malaria and HIV/Aids.
The Global Fund supports governments and agencies in countries worst affected by these diseases. It is estimated that since its establishment in 2002 the fund has saved 1.8 million lives.
The announcement of increased Irish support was made at the Global Fund Replenishment Conference in Berlin, which is being chaired by the former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan.
Minister of State for Overseas Development Michael Kitt said the 2008 level will represent a 25 per cent increase on last year's contribution. Mr Kitt said the move demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the prevention and control of these diseases through its development programmes.
"The Global Fund, with the support of Ireland and the international community, has made significant gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. However, there is still a huge amount to be done in this area," he added.
Between them, HIV/Aids, TB and malaria cause more than six million deaths a year and have resulted in the reversal of decades of health and development progress in many countries.
As a result of Global Fund programmes, an estimated 1.8 million lives have been saved in the developing world.
About 1.1 million HIV-positive people are on anti-retroviral treatment, 2.8 million people are receiving TB treatment and more than 30 million malaria bed nets have been distributed.
Ireland has contributed €80 million to the Global Fund since it was established in 2002. Irish Aid plans to enter into discussion with the fund to place next year's pledge within a three-year multi-annual funding agreement.
