More funds sought to fight diseases

London: Britain should increase its contribution to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria over and above the current £384 million (Dh2.23 billion) pledge, UK MPs said yesterday.

The international development committee expressed its concern over the delay in delivering funds to the international financing mechanism set up ten years ago by donor countries to tackle three of the world's deadliest diseases.

"The UK has been a reliable partner to the Global Fund but we are concerned at the continued delay in providing additional funds," Malcolm Bruce, chairman of the committee, said. "We strongly urge the Department for International Development to do all possible to commit funds earlier than 2013. A significant increase by the UK could help to catalyse contributions from other donors."

The UK committed more than a year ago to increase contributions to the fund. However, the money has not yet been delivered, nor the amount of the increase confirmed. Britain's current pledge is £384 million for 2012 to 2015, subject to reform at the organisation.

The Global Fund, created in 2002, has been dogged by problems in recent months. In February, Gabriel Jaramillo took over as general manager; his appointment followed financial problems, corruption and misappropriation of money that caused some countries to temporarily halt payments.

Good progress

However, the MPs said the fund has made good progress under its new management. At a committee hearing in February, the international development secretary, Andrew Mitchell, voiced his support for the fund's new direction under Jaramillo.

Mitchell reaffirmed the UK commitment to £128 million for the fund this year and the two following years, and hinted at big increases. In response to questions from MPs, he said the UK contribution could double, but a decision would be made later in the year. Britain could make an announcement at the G20 summit in Mexico next month, although it is likely the increase will be contingent on other countries also putting in more money. The committee said the G20 meeting provided a good opportunity for the UK to announce new funds, but only if conditions were met and UK taxpayers' money adequately safeguarded.

Japan increases funds

"There has been some welcome news since we completed our report with the Global Fund announcing £630 million in new funds," Bruce said. "It is also reassuring to see other countries, such as Japan, stepping up to the plate with their largest ever annual contribution. Other donors, including the UK, also must commit new funds in the coming months if the Global Fund is to return to full operation speedily and carry on doing what it does best: saving lives.

"The UK is prepared to agree a significant increase in our contribution to the Global Fund but it must show that the reform programme remains on track and is having an impact. We will need to be absolutely clear that British taxpayers are getting value for money for their support to the Fund."

— Guardian News & Media Ltd