THE British government said on Monday (Nov 14) it would pledge £1 billion (S$1.6 billion) to the Global Fund to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, more than six weeks after other countries made their commitments.

Britain is historically a major donor to the fund, and its absence generated surprise in global health circles, when other world leaders committed US$14.3 billion on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

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