World Bank to finance Russia's health programme to prevent spread of tuberculosis and AIDS

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov has signed an agreement between the Russian Federation and the World Bank (International Bank of Reconstruction and Development) on a loan to finance the project Prevention, diagnosis, treatment for tuberculosis and AIDS. According to the government press office, Russia will receive a loan of USD 150 million to be paid back within 17 years and with no interest for the first five years. The agreement will also be signed by representatives of the Russian Health Ministry.