South Korea has handed a major boost to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by deciding to levy a tax on airline tickets.

The ministry of health is to contribute $6 million to the Global Fund for 2014-2016, and the foreign ministry is to pay $10 million in five annual instalments from 2013-2017, drawn from a levy on all passengers leaving South Korea on international flights.
South Korea's 1,000 won ($0.95) levy, known as the "Global Poverty Eradication Tax", was introduced in 2007, primarily to contribute financial resources to fight poverty and disease in impoverished countries.
"The Republic of Korea is a trend-setter in the use of innovative funding methods to help fight the three diseases," said Mark Dybul, head of the Global Fund, in a statement.
"In doubling its contribution, Korea is also leading the way for other G20 countries to follow," he added.
South Korea has contributed $19 million since it started supporting the Global Fund in 2004, of which $6 million was pledged for 2011-2013.
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The Global Fund focuses on developing nations, including South Korea's hermetic neighbour North Korea.
Source-AFP