South Africa and the United Kingdom have announced their collaboration to co-host the eighth investment drive for the Global Fund, aimed at fighting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This partnership, revealed ahead of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg (February 26 & 27), South Africa, marks a significant moment, with South Africa becoming the first African country to hold the presidency of the G20.
The collaboration underscores the vital roles both countries play in promoting global health equity and tackling the pressing health challenges of our time, according to Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund.
The Global Fund aims to secure US$18 billion in donations to save an estimated 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029, as outlined in its investment case for the replenishment drive. However, the path to meeting this target is fraught with challenges, particularly due to competing financial pressures on donor nations. The Fund warns that slowing the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria would result in even greater costs, both in human lives and financial terms. This sentiment is compounded by concerns over potential shortfalls in funding, as key donors such as the United States have recently frozen spending through its main aid agency, while the UK has announced a reduction in its aid budget.
Despite these concerns, the co-hosting arrangement has received praise from various global health advocates. South Africa’s involvement as a co-host is seen as a reflection of the growing influence of African nations in shaping global health policy, with organisations like the Gates Foundation highlighting this shift. Deborah Gold, former CEO of the UK’s National Aids Trust, also welcomed the partnership, stressing the importance of this new approach to funding the international HIV effort, particularly in light of the funding challenges posed by countries like the USA. The drive is seen as crucial to maintaining momentum in the global fight against these devastating diseases.