UK cuts funding to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria project by £150m

The United Kingdom has reduced its financial contribution to a global initiative that combats AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by £150 million. This decision signifies a notable decrease in the UK's long-standing role as a major donor to the Geneva-based Global Fund. The fund plays a crucial role in raising and investing capital to fight these devastating diseases worldwide.

The UK's latest pledge for the period of 2026 to 2028 amounts to £850 million. This figure represents a 15% reduction compared to the £1 billion that was contributed for the previous funding cycle, 2023-2025. Historically, the UK has been one of the largest financial contributors to the Global Fund, underscoring the significance of this funding cut.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the reduced funding as an "investment in our shared security and prosperity." She emphasized that this contribution is expected to help save up to 1.3 million lives and safeguard British citizens and the National Health Service (NHS) from the potential spread of diseases. Despite these stated benefits, some charities and aid organisations have expressed disappointment with the decrease.

Joanna Rea, director of advocacy for UNICEF in the UK, stated that "Cutting the UK's pledge to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria jeopardises vital partnerships that protect children from preventable diseases." She added that this "disappointing decision" comes at a time when the UK is preparing to co-host a replenishment conference for the fund, a role that should ideally involve encouraging other donors.

This funding cut occurs as the UK government also reduced its overall aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income earlier this year, with the intention of diverting funds towards annual defence spending. The UK is scheduled to co-host a pledging event for the Global Fund with South Africa in Johannesburg later this month, coinciding with the G20 summit. The Global Fund aims to raise $18 billion (£13.7 billion) over the next three years, with the goal of saving 23 million lives and progressing towards the eradication of these three infectious diseases. In October, Germany committed €1 billion (£882 million) to the fund, a decrease of €300 million (£265 million) from its previous pledge.