Due to COVID-19, progress on tackling HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria has been reversed. In 2020, HIV testing fell by 22% and prevention services by 11%. TB deaths have increased for the first time in over a decade, fueled by a surge in the number of undiagnosed and untreated cases. Overall, the number of people being treated for TB fell by over 1 million. Malaria deaths and cases increased significantly, with new estimates suggesting a child is dying nearly every minute as a result of this mosquito-borne parasite.
Climate change, including changes in rainfall, temperature, and humidity, is already shifting malaria transmission into new areas. It will also alter TB and HIV through, for example, the forced displacement or migration of vulnerable populations and increased economic insecurity.
What’s the Solution?
Since its inception in 2002, the Global Fund has invested over $53 billion, saving 44 million lives and reducing the combined death rate from the three diseases — HIV, TB, and malaria — by more than half in the countries where it invests. Every life saved and every infection averted has a multiplier effect socially and economically.
In addition to disease-specific interventions, the Global Fund invests in the critical components of health systems, such as laboratory networks, trained health workers, and supply chains. These investments have supported countries to build capacities not only to fight HIV, TB, and malaria but also to combat COVID-19 and detect and respond to future pandemics.
The Global Fund aims to mobilize $18 billion (a 30% increase from 2019) for the period of 2024-2026 to save 20 million lives, reduce the mortality rate across the three diseases by 64% (relative to 2020 levels), and avert more than 450 million infections.
It also aims to catalyze up to $59 billion in co-financing from the countries in which it invests toward ending the three diseases and strengthening health systems. In addition, the Global Fund will invest approximately $6 billion to:
- Reinforce health systems and pandemic preparedness, including support for health care workers;
- Strengthen laboratories, diagnostic tools, supply chain management, information, and financial systems;
- Tackle antimicrobial resistance, including drug-resistant TB.
What Can the G7 Do?
- Commit at least 30% more to the Global Fund (compared to 2019 pledges) towards its $18 billion replenishment target for 2024-2026.
- Announce commitments at the Leaders’ Summit or soon after to help build momentum and push others to follow suit ahead of the replenishment.
- Help build momentum after pledging by supporting outreach to other countries and private donors to encourage them to make ambitious commitments.
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