The budget for 2003 is substantially (159%) higher than in previous years, at US$ 16.9 million (the total over the 5 years 2003 to 2007 is US$ 85.9 million).

There are large budget increases for strengthening and scaling up diagnostic services (e.g. through purchase of microscopes and recruitment of laboratory technicians), for the improvement of management and supervision (e.g. through recruitment of new supervisors, consultants, and community health workers), for provision of training, and to enhance monitoring and evaluation. Following approval of the GFATM application, the budget is fully funded, not just for 2003, but also for the 5-year period 2003 to 2007