• The Global Fund announced a deal recently with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to significantly slash the price of a cutting-edge HIV drug.
• The agreement would make it possible to provide the advanced pill known as TLD for under $45 per person per year.

ABOUT THE DRUG TLD

• The three-in-one pill bands together the drugs tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine and dolutegravir.
• WHO has recommended it as the preferred first-line HIV treatment for adults and adolescents since it rapidly suppresses the virus that causes AIDS, has fewer side effects and is easy to take.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL FUND

• It is a partnership set up in 2002 to battle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
• HQ- Geneva, Switzerland
• The Global Fund raises funds on a three-year cycle, bringing longer term predictability in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria.
• It invests over US$4 billion per year to fight infectious diseases in 120 countries.
• India joined the Global Fund as a donor in 2006, and has contributed a total US$76.5 million to date.