Number: RL31712 Title: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria: Background and Current Issues Authors: Tiaji Salaam, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Abstract: As of March 31, 2006, the Global Fund has approved more than 350 grants totaling nearly $5.2 billion for projects in more than 131 countries, of which about $2.1 billion has been disbursed in 127 countries. To date there have been five "rounds" of funding, with the Board approving proposals in April 2002, January 2003, October 2003, June 2004, and September 2005. However, in September 2005, due to a lack of available funding from donors, only a portion of proposals recommended for approval in Round 5 were officially approved. The remaining tentatively approved proposals received final approval in December 2005 after additional contributions were made. Pages: 7 Date: April 26, 2006