Japan contributes US$ 184 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

February 29, 2008

The Government of Japan provides its financial contribution of approximately US$ 184 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (hereinafter “the Global Fund”) on Friday, February 29, 2008.
Every year, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria – the three major infectious diseases – kill five million people all over the world. The prevalence of HIV is steadily increasing every year in all regions including Asia. It is estimated that 33.2 million people in the world are now living with HIV/AIDS. With regards to tuberculosis (TB), the rapid increase of drug-resistant TB and co-infection of HIV and TB spreading particularly in Africa have emerged as new major challenges to be addressed.
The contribution to the Global Fund, announced today, represents Japan’s firm commitment to fight against the killer diseases. It also reflects the importance attached by Japan to the Global Fund which plays a pivotal role on the fight against infectious diseases.
With this contribution, Japan has accomplished its disbursement of US$ 500 million to the Global Fund, pledged by the then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in June 2005. Now the total amount of Japan’s contribution to the Global Fund has reached around US$ 850 million. Japan will continue to support the activities of the Global Fund as it attaches importance to the fight against infectious diseases.

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