London, 29 June 2019: Prime Minister Theresa May today announced the UK’s continued support to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, making an investment that is set to help save 2 million lives over the next three years. The announcement demonstrates the UK’s continued leadership on global health and builds positive momentum towards the Global Fund’s replenishment conference later this year. 

Since being founded in 2002, the Global Fund has provided the majority of international financing for HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria programmes, fundamentally transforming the fight against the three diseases and helping to save 27 million lives. 

Aaron Oxley, Executive Director of RESULTS UK, said: “We know the immense impact this investment will have on the ground and are delighted that the UK has stepped up the fight against these killer diseases. At last year’s UN High-Level Meeting on TB, world leaders committed to diagnose and treat 40 million people with TB by 2022. The UK’s pledge alone will help support TB treatment for 2.3 million people, demonstrating the UK’s continued leadership and willingness to take concrete steps to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. This is a moment to be proud of what Britain can achieve.”

In order to continue its lifesaving work around the world, the Global Fund will need to raise at least US $14 billion at its replenishment conference, which is being hosted by President Macron in France this October.  

In making this announcement at the G20 summit, the Prime Minister has thrown down the gauntlet to her counterparts around the world to step up their own investments in line with the global need. Despite impressive gains, more than 2.5 million people were killed by HIV, TB and malaria in 2017, with enormous implications for individuals, their families and communities. 

With a number of vital health multilaterals, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, due for replenishment over the coming year, it is encouraging to see the UK continue to lead in pursuit of a healthier, more equitable world for everyone. 

Notes to Editors 

The UK has been one of the Global Fund’s most generous supporters. During the last funding cycle, the UK invested £1.2 billion. The UK has a seat on the Global Fund board, using its influence to shape Global Fund policy to drive greater efficiency and transparency. 

The UK’s pledge of up to £1.4 billion falls in line with the at least 15% funding increase called for in the Global Fund’s investment case, which demonstrates the need to raise at least US $14 billion in order to reach its targets. 

HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria continue to needlessly kill millions each year, despite being preventable and treatable. By investing in the Global Fund, the UK is not only helping tackle these diseases but strengthening health infrastructures globally, improving access to basic services for the most marginalised and vulnerable people. 

The Global Fund has consistently been found to offer high impact and to be closely aligned to the UK’s Aid Strategy. By pooling resources, consolidating expertise and leveraging investments from endemic countries and the private sector, the Global Fund offers one of the most value-for-money investments of UK aid. 

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RESULTS UK is a movement of passionate, committed, everyday people who together use their voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. For more information please visit www.results.org.uk