The global fund and Government of Pakistan (EAD) here on Wednesday signed framework agreement for provision of $ 255 million grant to Pakistan over the period of three years.

The grant would be used in the treatment of diseases of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in the country.

Secretary EAD Mr. Tariq Bajwa and Mr. Urban Weber from the Global Fund signed the agreement.

Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Minister of State for National Health Services, Saira Afzal Tarar witnessed the signing ceremony.

UNAID Country Director, Mamadou Sakho, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager of Global Fund, Dr. Werner Bueher, Secretary Health Mohammad, Ayub Sheikh and senior officials of Ministries of Finance, National Health Services and EAD also attended the ceremony.

Finance Minister welcomed signing of agreement and said the funds being provided under the framework agreement would be utilized in a completely transparent manner. He appreciated the support being extended by the global fund in the health sector. Minister of state for National Health Administration Saira appreciated the asdistance from Global Fund in the health sector.

Senior officials of Universal fund and UNAID said it was nice to see Pakistan focusing more and more on the health sector. They welcomed the agreement saying it would help strengthen Pakistan’s efforts in treatment of diseases like HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.