Harper to boost funds for AIDS, TB, malaria

Increased aid could help Canada land a seat on the U.N. Security Council.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to tell world leaders meeting in New York today that Canada will increase its contribution to efforts to fight the world’s deadliest diseases. The country currently donates $150-million annually to the Global Fund, which combats HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis in the world’s poorest regions. Harper plans to increase donations to the Global Fund, but it’s unclear by how much or where the money will come from. The Conservatives decided to freeze international aid at $5-billion next year, and some in the development community fear the money could be taken out of existing programs. The announcement should improve Canada’s international reputation as it seeks to land a temporary seat on the U.N. Security Council.