The Three Diseases Fund (3DF) aims to reduce the burden of communicable disease mortality and morbidity for Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria and HIV and AIDS in Burma/Myanmar.

Supported by Australia, the European Commission (EC), the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK), the 3DF initially pledged US$100 million over 5 years with 60 per cent for HIV and AIDS, 20 per cent for TB and 20 per cent for malaria, targeting vulnerable and under-served population groups, especially those living in remote and inaccessible areas and those most at risk of the three diseases. In 2009, donor commitments were increased to US$129 million and Denmark joined the Donor Consortium.

Over the last three years, the 3DF has disbursed some US$73 million (in average US$23 million per year) in two rounds of grants covering 42 projects implemented by 15 international NGOs, 5 UN, 3 local non-governmental and 8 community-based organizations. Fifteen (15) new projects are being supported from 1 January 2010 in a third round of grants. All three rounds will end by 31 December 2011.

Four UN agencies‚ WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA and UNODC‚ supported the National Disease Control Programmes.

WHO managed a decentralised disbursement of US$575,824/year to reimburse small amounts to medical officers at township level for training, drug transportation costs, lab specimens, home visits and supervision of beneficiaries.

Formally established on 12 October 2006, the 3DF superseded the Fund for HIV/AIDS in Myanmar (FHAM) and filled urgent needs following the withdrawal of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFTAM) in 2005.

Set as the governing body of the 3DF on behalf of the Donor Consortium, a Fund Board composed of donor representatives and independent experts is responsible for setting policy, approving grants and overseeing the independent monitoring and audit of activities supported by the Fund. The board ensures that the policies of each individual donor are taken into account in all activities.

The office of an independent Fund Manager‚ administered by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)‚ operates in Yangon to disburse and monitor 3DF grants according to priorities set by the Fund Board.

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