December 8, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario - Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada remains committed to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
"Canada continues to contribute to the fight against some of the world's most devastating diseases?AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The Government of Canada has supported the Global Fund from its inception and will continue to work with the Global Fund to protect the lives of the world's most vulnerable, including women and children," said Minister Oda. "Canada fulfils its commitments and will fully disburse our annual commitment to the Global Fund this calendar year."
The Global Fund provides financial support to implementing partners in approximately 150 countries. With support from CIDA and other donors, the Global Fund has provided AIDS treatment to more than 3.3 million people, tuberculosis treatment to more than 8.26 million people, and provided 230 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to families with young children to prevent malaria. Global Fund-supported programs save an estimated 100,000 lives every month.
In September 2010, Canada announced a pledge of $540 million over three years, an increase of 20 percent over its previous commitment. This brings Canada's total commitment since 2002 to more than $1.5 billion?the largest ever made by Canada to an international health institution.
-30-
For further information media should contact:
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
