Ireland Pledges 7.1 million Euro to Global Fund

Addis Ababa, July 22(ENA)-- The Government of Ireland has pledged to donate 7.1 million Euros to the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, Irish Embassy in Ethiopia said.

In a statement sent to ENA, the Embassy said Ireland's Minister of State, Tom Kitt announced the pledge at an international donor conference recently held in Paris, France.

According to the statement, Ireland has been one of the strongest advocates and supporters of the Global Fund since its inception.

"Ireland is absolutely commited to the Global Fund and will be continuing support in the future," the statement quoted Kitt as saying.

It also said the recent pledge has raised the Ireland's contribution to Global Fund to some 20 million Euro.

Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, established in 2002, strives to mobilize the huge resources necessary to fight infectious diseases in poor countries.