1. With the bill for the “Global Disease Eradication Contribution” system passed at the plenary meeting of the National Assembly on December 2, the Republic of Korea’s “Global Poverty Eradication Contribution” system, in place since 2007, will be replaced by the “Global Disease Eradication Contribution” system, effective from January 1, 2017. Under the new system, contribution collected from each international flight passenger departing the ROK will be used to help eradicate diseases in developing countries.

2. The government will form a committee consisting of relevant experts and government officials to operate the system in a transparent and effective manner. It will extend assistance mainly on efforts to prevent and eradicate infectious and other diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

3. While the “Global Poverty Eradication Contribution” system was aimed at poverty eradication, the new “Global Disease Eradication Contribution” system has been designed to eliminate diseases.

4. The “Global Disease Eradication Contribution” system, known as an “air ticket solidarity levy” in the international community, is “innovative resource for development” that is used to help developing countries build capacity in healthcare and medical services and thereby achieve socio-economic development; contribute to international efforts to reduce diseases and thereby promote health in the international community; and play a role in the attainment of the common goal of humanity -- “sustainable development.”


* unofficial translation