The UK has reduced its pledge to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 15 per cent, committing £850m for the 2027-29 period, down from £1bn in the previous round. The decision, announced in a written government statement, has been met with dismay from aid groups who say it will lead to hundreds of thousands of otherwise preventable deaths.
While the sum is slightly higher than the £800m previously discussed, campaigners describe it as a serious setback. The cut follows a 30 per cent reduction in the UK's contribution three years ago, and comes amid broader cuts to overseas aid, which will fall to 0.3 per cent of national income by 2027. Government officials argue that given other commitments, including to Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, the reduction still represents a vote of confidence in the fund.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the commitment 'an investment in our shared security and prosperity'. However, the decision has caused concern among Labour MPs. Seven former ministers wrote to the Prime Minister warning of a 'moral failure' and strategic disaster. Kerry McCarthy, one of the signatories, acknowledged 'tough decisions' were needed but noted a 'direct correlation between support and lives saved'.
The One campaign calculated that the cut could result in 255,000 preventable deaths, many among children. Unicef UK's Joanna Rea said the decision 'jeopardises vital partnerships that protect children from preventable diseases'. Malaria No More UK called it a 'disappointing step-back' from UK leadership. Kitty Arie of Results UK noted this is the first time a host country has reduced its pledge, 'setting a worrying precedent'. Mike Podmore of StopAids warned the cut 'threatens the real possibility of ending Aids by 2030'.
