By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Feb. 20: The Global Fund has disbursed 97.5 per cent of its total commitment of US$2.2 billion to Nepal since 2002, said the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nepal.

The money was disbursed in 19 different grants to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

"The support is in line with the Nepal Health Sector Strategy and the specific national strategies of the three diseases. The supported interventions include prevention programmes for key populations, improvement management of cases and strengthening the health system," read a statement of the delegation on Thursday.

It also said that the EU had supported EUR 2.1 billion to the Fund so far. "While on its own the European Commission accounts for approximately 5 per cent of Global Fund finances, the EU as a whole provides for on average approximately 50 per cent of total Global Fund resources."

The Global Fund is a partnership organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. Founded in 2002 and based in Geneva, the Fund is a partnership between governments, foundations, civil society, the private sector, professional bodies, and people affected by the diseases.

The Global Fund is the biggest global health initiative, spending USD 4 billion every year in more than 100 countries. The European Union supported the establishment of the Global Fund and is among the main donors, having disbursed EUR 2.1 billion between 2002 and 2019.

According to the delegation, the current strategic plan of the Fund has four objectives for the 2017-2022 period: maximize impact against HIV, TB and malaria; build resilient and sustainable systems for health; promote and protect human rights and gender equality; and mobilize increased resources.