Question : FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AIDS BY BILL GATES



(a) whether the Mr. Bill Gates announced financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 500 crores to fight AIDS during his recent visit to India; and

(b) if so, the manner in which this aid is proposed to be used?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The US (Microsoft) Tycoon, Shri Bill Gates has announced financial assistance to the tune of about Rs.500 crores to fight AIDS in India during his recent visit. However, institutional arrangements and modalities of co-operation, mutual obligations and responsibilities have not been spelt out precisely in his announcement.