October 6, 2010 | Health Matters

US Gov promises $4 billion to fight AIDS

US President Obama has promised to give $4 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, a 38% increase in the U.S. contribution to the fund over the previous three-year period.

The hope, said the administration, is to lead by example, encouraging other nations to follow suit and give generously.

"This progress not only improves lives, it also brings stability and economic growth to impoverished areas," said House speaker Nancy Pelosi. "These investments are working, and this progress must continue."

The contribution brings the total pledge from donor countries to $11.7 billion over three years, the fund said in a statement today.

The Global Fund estimated that with the additional U.S. assistance, the group will be able to increase the number of AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy 75 percent by 2015, to 4.4 million.

“At a time when many governments are tightening their belts at home, these commitments send a powerful message,” UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon said. “It shows how seriously world leaders want to do the right thing beyond their borders.” 

Sometimes a bigger deficit is worth it. 

Obama Boosts Pledge 38% to Global Fund for AIDS, TB [Business Week]