The annual report from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, released today, reveals that since its inception in 2002, the multilateral organization’s investments have saved 65 million lives and reduced mortality from these three diseases by 61%.
By 2023, the Global Fund reports that progress in combating these diseases has been consolidated, supported by a significant reduction in essential medicines prices, which has increased access to treatment. However, challenges such as climate change, conflict, and human rights violations continue to affect the progress achieved.
Progress on the Three Pandemics
In 2023, the Global Fund’s programs to fight HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria recovered from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For HIV, a record 25 million people received antiretroviral treatment, while prevention efforts, including testing and services such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), were expanded. Nevertheless, human rights-related barriers—ranging from punitive laws to stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence—continue to limit access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.
TB programs not only managed to recover but also detected more cases than ever before, treating over 7 million people with the help of innovative technologies such as mobile units and artificial intelligence. Despite these advances, drug-resistant tuberculosis remains a significant and growing threat.
The fight against malaria also accelerated: 227 million mosquito nets were distributed, 335 million tests were conducted, and 171 million cases were treated. However, challenges like conflict and climate change continue to hinder progress against the disease.
Strengthening Health Systems
The report also highlights how the Global Fund’s investments have improved health infrastructure, enhanced preparedness for future pandemics, and advanced progress toward universal health coverage. In 2023, a record $1.8 billion was invested in strengthening health systems alone. Between 2024 and 2026, $6 billion is expected to be invested to help countries improve health outcomes across all diseases.
Market Impact and Global Partnerships
The Global Fund has worked to reduce the prices of essential products for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, achieving a 25% reduction in the cost of the most commonly used first-line HIV treatment. In tuberculosis, the partnership secured price reductions of 20% for diagnostic test cartridges, 30% for 3HP (the shorter TB preventive treatment), and 55% for bedaquiline, the primary treatment for drug-resistant TB. The Fund has also introduced innovations, including more effective mosquito nets for combating malaria.
For more information, you can consult the full report on the Global Fund’s website
