UK Cuts £150 Million from Global Fund, Threatening Lives Worldwide

The United Kingdom has announced a reduction of £150 million from its contribution to the international fight against Aids, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. This decision puts approximately 250,000 lives at risk, with children among the most affected. Charitable organizations have expressed concern that this funding cut will compel health officials to make “impossible, life-or-death decisions.”

The UK government has pledged £850 million towards the Global Fund for the period of 2026-2028, a decline from £1 billion in 2022, which itself was a reduction from £1.4 billion in 2019. This latest cut is part of a broader strategy to redirect funds from foreign aid towards increased defense spending.

In a recent statement to Parliament, International Development Minister Jenny Chapman articulated the importance of this investment, stating, “I am proud to announce that we will invest £850 million in the Global Fund for 2026-2028 to deliver lifesaving prevention, testing, and treatment services.” She emphasized that this commitment is both a moral imperative and a strategic investment in global health security and economic stability.

The decision to lower the UK’s aid contribution comes as the government shifts its focus, reducing development assistance from 0.5 percent of national income to 0.3 percent to bolster defense spending. According to the Global Fund, the aim is to raise $18 billion (approximately £14 billion) to save an estimated 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029. The ONE Campaign, a global NGO, estimates that a £1 billion commitment from the UK could save 1.7 million lives, suggesting that the £150 million cut could result in over 250,000 lives lost.

Several Labour MPs, including Fleur Anderson, have written to Sir Keir Starmer, criticizing the cut as a “moral failure.” Anderson pointed out that the UK’s leadership on the global stage is essential and that balancing defense funding with development assistance is crucial for national security. “We are taking our place on the global stage,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that actions match rhetoric.

The Global Fund plays a crucial role in financing programs to combat HIV, TB, and malaria. Concerns have been raised that cuts to aid may force organizations funding essential drugs and vaccines to compete for limited resources. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated the importance of the UK’s support, saying, “No nation can tackle global health threats alone.” As the UK co-hosts a funding replenishment event with South Africa on November 21, 2023, Cooper underscored the need for collaborative efforts to build a healthier world.

Adrian Lovett, UK Executive Director of the ONE Campaign, stated that while the pledge can help save around 1.4 million lives in the coming years, had the government matched previous commitments, it could have saved an additional 255,000 lives, many of whom would be children. He highlighted that the significant cuts to the overall international assistance budget have placed officials in challenging positions regarding funding decisions.

The UK’s reduced pledge threatens the progress made in combating Aids, TB, and malaria. Mike Podmore, Chief Executive of the UK-based HIV charity STOPAIDs, warned that the cut puts at risk the possibility of ending Aids by 2030. “While still a major contribution, a reduction may also limit the Global Fund’s ability to maintain existing progress,” he said.

Labour MP Kerry McCarthy echoed concerns regarding the diminished commitment, stating that the Global Fund is an area where funding yields significant positive impact. She noted that the investment not only benefits health outcomes but also empowers governments in affected countries to take control of health challenges.

Dr. Kavindhran Velen, Chief Scientific Officer of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, emphasized, “Now is not the time to cut funding and engagement in the fight against TB.” He pointed out that the UK should take this opportunity to enhance its support, particularly following significant cuts from the United States.

Gareth Jenkins, Managing Director of Malaria No More UK, expressed disappointment over the funding reduction, warning that it could reverse the UK’s long-standing leadership in combating malaria. He stated, “Letting our guard down now could scar Africa’s next generation by claiming tens of thousands more children’s lives.”

The UK government has indicated that the Global Fund will receive a larger share of the health aid budget, but this comes amid broader cuts impacting other areas of development assistance. The overall reduction of 40 percent in the aid budget raises concerns about the future of various programs, including those supporting women and girls.

Lovett concluded by highlighting the importance of the UK’s investment in fighting these deadly diseases. “Viruses and diseases do not stop at borders,” he said, stressing that supporting global health initiatives contributes to national security. As the UK prepares for the upcoming fundraising event, the need for a more robust commitment remains critical for the health of millions worldwide.