GENEVA, Feb 8 (Reuters) - France's ambassador for HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases, Michel Kazatchkine, was selected on Thursday to lead a multi-billion-dollar fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The Global Fund board, which has committed $7 billion in grants to 136 countries since its launch five years ago, said it had chosen Kazatchkine to succeed Richard Feachem because of his experience as a physician and global health expert. "He has the right blend of skills and experience needed to manage this unique financial institution," board chairwoman Carol Jacobs said.
