Global health gains Threatened as Funding for Fight Against HIV,TB,and Malaria Falls Short
LYON,France - International efforts to control HIV,tuberculosis,and malaria are facing a critical challenge after global donors pledged less funding then needed to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,Tuberculosis and Malaria at a replenishment conference in Lyon this week. While meaningful contributions were made, the total falls short of the $18.8 billion goal, raising concerns about setbacks in the decades-long fight against these deadly diseases.
the shortfall comes despite commitments from countries like the UK and South Africa, and increased pledges from Ireland and India. However,the absence of French President Emmanuel Macron from the conference-and a perceived lack of leadership-drew sharp criticism from health advocates,who warned the reduced funding will have devastating consequences for global health security and perhaps reverse hard-won progress.
The Global Fund, a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, aims to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as public health problems. It relies on periodic replenishments to fund programs in countries most in need.This year’s conference was intended to secure funding for the next three years (2024-2026).
“[Emmanuel] Macron missing this possibility to pursue his - so far remarkable – leadership on global health is beyond understanding,” saeid a representative from Health Advocates. “We’re shocked by the consequences this desertion will have on global solidarity but moreover on the lives of millions.It’s at the opposite of the past legacy of France, a founding member of the Global Fund.”
The UK, co-hosting the replenishment drive with South Africa, prioritized the Global Fund despite a cut in its overall aid budget from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3% to fund greater defense spending,according to Keir Starmer. The UK announced an £850m commitment, down from £1bn in the last round. Campaigners had feared this 15% cut would prompt similar reductions from other nations.
While some countries increased their pledges, and the private sector and foundations are playing a greater role in funding, experts warn the global Fund is entering an era of austerity. Janeen Madan Keller, the deputy director of global health policy at the Center for Global Development, stated, “The reality is that the Global Fund is staring down an era of austerity. It must make tough cost-cutting decisions if it is to stand any chance of ending the epidemics of Aids,tuberculosis,and malaria.”
Keller suggested a potential restructuring of the funding model, prioritizing grants for the poorest nations with the highest disease burdens and exploring loan options for wealthier countries. South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, described the amount pledged so far as an ”remarkable achievement,” but the shortfall nonetheless casts a shadow over future efforts to eradicate these global health threats.
