Replenishment a Critical First Step But Dramatically Falls Short of the Global Health Crises We Face
Replenishment a Critical First Step But Dramatically Falls Short of the Global Health Crises We Face
The Developed Country NGO Delegation welcomes the initial expected pledges of US$11.34 Billion announced at the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. We acknowledge the Republic of South Africa and the United Kingdom for co-hosting the eighth round to raise funds and investments that sustain the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. We also appreciate the significant contributions made by implementing countries, the private sector, and private foundations.
Despite significant fiscal constraints, debt crises, and global economic uncertainty, the anticipated pledges of US$11.34 billion are an important down payment on continued solidarity and action to confront urgent global health challenges. We look forward to additional pledges from key donor countries in the next few weeks.
However, while noteworthy, the total pledges fall drastically short – US$6.6 billion less from the US$18 billion target. Despite the extraordinary health crises unfolding, many of the Global Fund’s largest donors decreased their initial pledges, and several others declined to pledge so far. This can still – and must – change. Partner countries and communities are leading the way, and donors need to rally behind them.
Global Fund investments in almost 130 countries have demonstrated tremendous results over the past two decades: 25.6 million people diagnosed with HIV and 7.4 million people diagnosed with TB have been put on treatment, and 692 million people have been protected from malaria through greater access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
“Cutting back in the midst of remarkable progress is not only misguided but will have unprecedented impacts across the three diseases. Funding gaps kill! We cannot sacrifice millions of people’s lives,” said Vitaly Djuma, Board Member of the Developed Country NGO Delegation.
Donors that step back from their pledges during a crisis and reduce their funding demonstrate retreat, not leadership.
“Civil society and communities are not retreating because the overwhelming need for HIV, TB and malaria services on the ground has not changed. Community health workers are not going to refuse care to their neighbors in need in the name of efficiencies or fiscal constraints. They are doing everything in their power to provide their communities the healthcare they require and deserve. Donors must reflect on that reality when they choose to cut global health funding,” said Catherine Connor, Alternate Board Member of the Developed Country NGO Delegation.
Pledging does not end in Johannesburg. We call on donors which have already pledged to step up and do more to fully fund the Global Fund during the next grant cycle. We continue to call on our donor governments and private sector in the countries where we are based to make and increase their contributions and to meet the moment.
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Download statement: Replenishment a Critical First Step_DevDel Statement 2025