Last Friday, the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment took place in South Africa, at a moment of particular difficulty for global health. Even in this context, the conference succeeded in mobilizing US$11.34 billion to sustain the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and to strengthen health systems in low-income countries. Although the amount remains below the US$18 billion target set for this cycle, it represents meaningful progress given the current global economic and political environment.
The summit brought together heads of state and representatives from more than 30 countries, as well as multilateral and philanthropic partners. The United States, the United Kingdom and Germany remain the largest contributors, with US$4.6 billion, GBP 850 million and EUR 1 billion respectively, although all three have reduced their pledges compared to the previous replenishment, as have Italy and Canada. Countries such as India and Ireland increased their contributions, as did several African implementing countries, which strengthened their leadership by announcing new commitments.
Spain will contribute EUR 145 million, a figure announced several months ago that represents an increase compared to the previous cycle. France and the European Commission reaffirmed their support and indicated that they will confirm their pledges at a later stage. The private sector committed US$1.34 billion, with significant contributions from the Gates Foundation, CIFF and (RED).
At Salud por Derecho, we welcome the progress achieved and the efforts made by countries that have increased or maintained their support, particularly in such a difficult year. At the same time, we regret that some major donors have reduced their contributions and that the total amount remains far from the target.
In Spain’s case, we recognise the increase compared to the previous cycle and the effort made in a complex economic context. Even so, we call on the Spanish Government to work in the coming months to raise its contribution to EUR 200 million, in line with the country’s international responsibilities and the needs of this replenishment. Furthermore, the European Union must demonstrate clear leadership in this process. We expect that when the European Commission announces its contribution, it will step up and increase it to at least EUR 800 million, going beyond the EUR 715 million of the previous cycle and sending a strong signal of commitment to Member States and to the wider donor community.
Supporting the Global Fund means protecting the right to health, ensuring access to treatment and diagnostics for millions of people, and strengthening essential health systems. Spain now has the opportunity to further reinforce its commitment and help ensure that this replenishment reaches the level required to prevent setbacks in the fight against these three pandemics.
Image: Global Fund/Quintin Mills
