I am not sure if the global fund is the answer.

Nearly half that, $7.2 billion, went into global and other foreign funds, also a record.

But why, specifically, have the two big global funds been hit so hard?

"Businesses are not likely to be major sources of funds to the global fund," he said.

Secretary Powell stopped short of saying how much more money the administration would contribute to the global fund, or when.

He held out the possibility of further American contributions, in addition to $200 million offered last month, to a global fund to fight the disease.

Global funds often have at least 30 percent here at home.

Ministers remain committed to making the global fund a reality.

Those who submit a claim to the global fund are not required to accept the offer.

More global and foreign mutual funds are turning their sights on small companies.