UK Coalition Against Malaria welcomes Government’s long-term commitment to the Global Fund but echoes disappointment on amount pledged
27 September 2007
As the Global Fund replenishment conference draws to a close, the UK Coalition Against Malaria (UK CAM) welcomes Douglas Alexander's announcement to commit £1 billion to the Global Fund over the next 8 years.
Everyday, 4,500 people die of malaria, a preventable and treatable disease. Malaria causes up to 3 million deaths a year, mainly among pregnant women and children under five.
Malaria related Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved without sustainable and predictable funding, and it is hoped that other donors will follow DFID's move in committing funds on a long term basis.
Yet, the amount pledged falls short of the £700 million over three years asked by UK NGOs and parliamentarians, including the Malaria Consortium and the All Party Parliamentary Malaria Group.
Stuart Mulholland, the Chair of UK CAM, said: "The UK is the first country to acknowledge the need for sustainable and predictable funding, but this long-term commitment must be matched with increased funding if we are to achieve the malaria related MDGs."
