London, UK – 26/8/25 – The ONE Campaign has urged the UK government to protect its contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria amid concerns of a £200 million (20%) cut. 

The non-profit has warned this could result in up to 340,000 avoidable deaths in three years – more than the total number of UK Covid-19 deaths (232,000), and more than ten times the number of people killed in London during the Blitz (30,000).

At the last replenishment, the UK pledged £1 billion to the Global Fund – but it is feared ministers are now considering a reduced pledge of around £800 million ahead of this year’s conference, which the UK will co-host with South Africa in November.

The Global Fund is the world’s most effective vehicle for tackling HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Since 2002, it has helped save more than 65 million lives, reducing the combined death rate from AIDS, TB and malaria by 63%. 

For its Eighth Replenishment, this November, the Global Fund has set a fundraising target of $18 billion (£13.6 billion) – which will help it to save 23 million lives and prevent approximately 400 million infections between 2027 and 2029.

If the UK matched its previous pledge of £1 billion, it would account for almost 1.7 million lives saved and prevent more than 29 million new infections worldwide between 2027 and 2029.

However, a £200 million (20%) cut would result in almost 340,000 avoidable deaths and nearly 5.9 million avoidable infections in the space of just three years.

Facing a 40% cut to the overall UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, campaigners have warned the UK’s contribution to vital multilateral funds could be in line for significant real-terms cuts. The government’s £1.25 billion pledge to Gavi, the vaccine alliance, in June this year represented a 24% cut on its previous contribution.

The ONE Campaign urged the UK government to play its full part in the international effort, and to use its diplomatic muscle to ensure others do the same – including the United States, France and Germany.

Adrian Lovett, Executive Director for the UK, Middle East and Asia Pacific, at the ONE Campaign, said:

“Britain cannot call on others to meet vital funding targets while slashing its own contribution to the Global Fund. A 20% cut would put 340,000 lives at risk immediately, and would give cover for others to follow suit, leaving 23 million people in danger.

“The Prime Minister has committed to end HIV transmissions in England, but infectious viruses do not stop at national borders. If we don’t confront them overseas, we won’t overcome them here at home. After coming so far in the fight against these deadly diseases, now would be the worst time to take our eye off the ball. Keir Starmer and David Lammy must live up to Britain’s values and make this vital investment in human lives.”

The Global Fund’s work is saving lives and transforming communities across the world:

• Namibia: In towns and villages, comprehensive HIV services are helping young people stay healthy, get treatment and live without stigma. Read more →
  
• Cameroon: Health workers and communities are working together to protect mothers and children from malaria – one of the leading killers of children under 5. Read more →
  
• Kenya: Integrated HIV, TB and malaria care is supporting pregnant women and newborns, ensuring healthier starts to life. Read more →
  
• Malawi: The story of Innocent, a young HIV advocate, demonstrates how investments in paediatric HIV care can transform lives. Read more →
  
• Amanda Martty Dushime: “Our lives matter” – an HIV advocate in Burundi speaks out for equality, access and dignity. Watch →
  

The ONE Campaign is calling on the UK Government to match its previous £1 billion pledge in full – and to send a clear message that Britain stands with the global fight against HIV, TB and malaria.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Ahead of the Eighth replenishment conference, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has said it needs $18 billion (£13.6 billion) to save up to 23 million lives and prevent around 400 million infections between 2027 and 2029: 

https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/investment-case

If the UK pledges £1 billion to this effort, its contribution will account for up to almost 1.7 million lives saved and up to 29.4 million infections averted between 2027 and 2029.

However, if it cuts its pledge by 20%, this will result in up to 340,000 fewer lives saved and an additional 5.9 million infections globally.

About ONE: ONE is a global, nonpartisan organisation advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Our trusted advocacy uses hard-hitting data, grassroots activism, political engagement, and strategic partnerships to influence decision-makers. Learn more at ONE.org