Britain gives $1 bn to global disease fight

The British government said on Monday it would contribute 1 billion pounds ($1.18 billion) to the Global Fund to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, more than six weeks after other countries made their commitments.

The total, which covers 2023-25, is 30 per cent less than Britain pledged during the previous funding round in 2019, and below the 1.8 billion pounds requested this time. Historically, the country has been a major donor to the fund.

“This fund gives hope and opportunity to millions who would otherwise suffer,” Andrew Mitchell, Britain’s Minister for Development, said.