×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Gates injects $750 million in troubled Global Fund

Bill Gates is riding to the rescue of a beleaguered health fund by pledging $750 million to fight three of world's killer diseases.

The Microsoft founder says the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's donation to the Geneva-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria comes on top of $650 million it contributed to the fund over the past decade.

Gates said Thursday his pledge at the World Economic Forum is meant to encourage other potential donors.

He said that "these are tough economic times, but that is no excuse for cutting aid to the world's poorest."

A donor backlash over fund losses forced it to cancel more than $1 billion in new spending last year.

The fund's executive director Dr. Michel Kazatchkine said Tuesday he is resigning. 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.