28 January 2002

Bush Administration Devotes More Money to Global Disease Fund

New resources committed as fund directors hold first meeting

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy G. Thompson announced January 28 that the Bush Administration has increased its contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. President Bush has earmarked $200 million for the fund in 2003 in addition to the $250 million in 2002, according to a HHS press release.

Thompson made the announcement as the board of directors for the fund holds its first meeting in Geneva, Switzerland January 28-29. The idea for an international funding mechanism to support initiatives against disease first emerged at the Okinawa G-8 summit in 2000, and gained momentum in 2001 with advocacy from U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and the first contribution from the United States of $200 million.

"This fund will have worldwide impact on three of the world's most devastating health threats," Secretary Thompson said. "Today, before the fund even opens its door, the president has pledged $450 million toward its efforts."

The board is considering the basic guidelines of how the fund will operate and how it will distribute money to nations attempting to cope with disease. After the U.N. General Assembly endorsed the fund concept in June 2001, a working group began drawing up those operational principles that are being presented to the board in the January 28-29 meeting.

The three diseases account for more than 6 million deaths each year worldwide. The illnesses cause enormous suffering for their victims and their families, but international experts have also concluded in recent years that the diseases are thwarting economic growth and development in poor nations.

The fund has received pledges to date totaling $1,700 million, according to information posted at its Web site http://www.GlobalFundATM.org/index.html

Following is the text of the HHS press release:

U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services

January 28, 2002

President's Budget Will Include Additional $200 Million Commitment To the Global Fund To Fight Aids, Tuberculosis And Malaria

Announcement Brings President's Total Pledge to $450 Million

In his budget proposal for fiscal year 2003, President Bush will include an additional $200 million contribution by the United States to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This builds upon the $250 million the President will commit to the Global Fund in fiscal year 2002, for a total of $450 million.

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Secretary of State Colin L. Powell announced today that the President's fiscal year 2003 budget will include a $100 million contribution from HHS and another $100 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development to support the work of the new fund. The fiscal year 2003 budget will be released by the President Feb. 4.

Secretary Thompson made the announcement to the first board of directors meeting for the Fund, which convened Jan. 28-29 in Geneva, Switzerland. The agenda for the first board meeting is to adopt a framework document to finalize the Fund's management, structure and financial operations. Additionally, the board will make final decisions about proposal eligibility and review criteria.

"This Fund will have worldwide impact on three of the world's most devastating health threats," Secretary Thompson said. "Today, before the Fund even opens its door, the President has pledged $450 million toward its efforts."

Secretary Thompson said the Bush administration will also continue to "pursue new sources of financial support from governments and the private sector worldwide."

Endorsed at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS and the 2001 G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy, the Fund was established as a unique and distinctive approach to combating the nearly 6 million deaths attributed each year to AIDS, TB and malaria, according to the Fund.

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