The Global Fund has raised $11.3 billion toward its $18 billion goal to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The funding gap now puts key programs at risk, even though the organization spends up to $5 billion a year on treatments, mosquito nets, and other prevention measures that save millions of lives.

The Global Fund mobilized $11.34 billion at a conference held on Friday, November 21, on the sidelines of the G20 summit to support the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The amount falls short of the $18 billion target set for the 2027-2029 period.

The United States pledged up to $4.6 billion, while several major donors, including France, Japan, and the European Commission, did not announce immediate contributions, indicating they might do so later. The United Kingdom confirmed £850 million (approximately $1.1 billion), a decrease from its previous cycle pledge of £1 billion. In contrast, countries such as India and Ireland increased their participation, and the private sector contributed more than in previous cycles.

The Global Fund is an international organization established in 2002 and based in Geneva. It finances prevention, treatment, and care programs for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, investing up to $5 billion annually and bringing together governments, civil society, and the private sector. It was launched with initial contributions from partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has held immunities for international organizations under U.S. law since 2006.

Financial Pressure and Strategic Shift

Resource mobilization challenges are compelling the Fund to reduce its costs by 20% in 2026. The organization has already informed some countries of adjustments to grants covering the current period. Its Executive Director, Peter Sands, believes the context signals the end of a model heavily reliant on external aid and calls for a managed transition toward greater autonomy.

Since its creation, the Global Fund estimates it has saved 70 million lives. In 2024, 25.6 million people received antiretroviral therapy for HIV, 7.4 million patients were treated for tuberculosis, and 162 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed to prevent malaria. The organization remains the world’s principal funder in the fight against these three diseases.

The gap between the amount raised and the $18 billion target raises questions about funding for future efforts, particularly as new medical options emerge to reduce infections and deaths. Several stakeholders believe that additional commitments, especially from donors that have not yet announced their contributions, could help maintain essential services. The resource allocation structure may also evolve, with increased priority for low-income, high-burden countries and differentiated mechanisms for middle-income countries.

Upcoming decisions will determine the Global Fund’s ability to maintain its level of intervention and support countries in achieving disease control targets.

Olivier de Souza