New TB grant in Indonesia

A new grant has been given to Indonesia to help fight the spread of TB in the country.

The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria has signed two new grant agreements, which are worth $18 million (£10.96 million) over two years. Over five years, the total grant is expected to reach $90 million.

This will be used to improve case detection, provide new anti-TB drugs and give support and training to health staff.

Officials from the Global Fund announced the news at the ninth International Congress on Aids in Asia and the Pacific.

Professor Michel Kazatchkine, the Global Fund's executive director, commented: "We are delighted to continue strengthening our long-term relationship with Indonesia, a country that consistently works to fight the three diseases.

"These grants for TB will help to consolidate the progress made so far, continuing the expansion of treatment and case detection."

This follows a Global Fund grant to Indonesia to tackle Aids worth just under $126 million over the next five years.

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