TB is one of the most deadly infectious diseases – second only to COVID-19 – yet there is a chronic lack of funding in TB healthcare and the research and development of TB vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria is one of the main sources of funding and support in global efforts to eradicate TB, providing 77% of all international financing to the disease. Since it was founded in 2002, the Global Fund has saved 44 million lives and reduced the combined death rate from HIV, TB and malaria by more than half in the countries in which it works. Despite the huge gains over the last 20 years in the eradication of these three diseases, there have been major setbacks as a result of COVID-19, which makes the 7th Replenishment of the Global Fund even more important.
This year, the Global Fund needs a further US $18 billion from international donors to continue its work for the period 2023-25 to save 20 million more lives. Join us in calling on the UK Government to step up and make a financial pledge to the Global Fund’s lifesaving work. This month, please arrange a meeting with your MP to explain the importance of the Global Fund and urge for a UK investment to meet the needs addressed by the 7th replenishment, amounting to some £1.8 billion. We’re at a critical point in getting back on track to end TB, AIDS and malaria by 2030 – as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals – and political pressure will be needed.
For an overview of the campaign and actions, read this month’s Action sheet.
Check out some of the following campaign guides for further information:
–An introduction to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
–How to hold a successful meeting with your MP
Image: Msoni Timothy, a former patient treated for Multi-Drug Resistant TB (left) and Elvis Saitoti, Clinical Officer (right) at Shompole health centre, Kenya, a Global Fund implementation site. Read more about experiences of TB in Kenya in our blog.