Efforts to control HIV, tuberculosis and malaria are at risk after major donors failed to match past support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Advocates say years of progress could now slow or even reverse.
The Global Fund has raised $11.3 billion toward its $18 billion goal for 2026 to 2028. Some of its strongest past contributors, including France Japan and the European Commission who did not make firm pledges at a summit held during the G20 meeting in South Africa. They said they would announce amounts later.
The United States pledged up to $4.6 billion, still the largest contribution but lower than its previous $6 billion commitment.
Health experts say this gap comes at a time when new HIV prevention drugs, improved malaria programs, and new TB treatments could sharply reduce deaths if fully funded.
Advocacy groups warn that without enough money, countries may have to cut back key services. They say reductions would hit the most affected regions hardest and could undo decades of gains, including the sharp drop in AIDS-related deaths in Global Fund partner countries.
Some donors, including Ireland and India, increased their contributions. Private foundations also played a larger role this year. But these gains were not enough to fill the shortfall.
The United Kingdom, which co-hosted the summit with South Africa, confirmed an £850 million pledge. This is lower than its previous £1 billion commitment because of wider cuts to its aid budget.
South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, called the pledges made so far an important step, but experts say the overall picture shows the Global Fund entering a period of tighter budgets. Analysts warn the fund may now have to rethink how it allocates grants, possibly protecting the poorest countries while placing more responsibility on nations with stronger economies.
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