The UK Government is reportedly considering cutting its £1 billion annual contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria — a move that could undermine years of progress in global health. The UK contribution global health fund is now at the centre of growing domestic and international scrutiny.
The UK currently pledges around £1 billion every three years to the Global Fund, a figure set under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak three years ago. However, new reports indicate that Keir Starmer’s incoming Government may reduce that contribution by up to 20 % for the next funding cycle. According to analysis, such a cut could raise the UK’s commitment to only around £800 million — significantly less than the longstanding commitment.
Public opinion and political pressure
A recent poll by More in Common for The Guardian found that 62 % of British respondents believe the UK should maintain or even increase its current level of contribution to the Global Fund. Advocacy groups argue that maintaining the £1 billion pledge could save up to 1.7 million lives over three years — underscoring the high human stakes.
Why the Global Fund matters and why the cut matters
The Global Fund, founded in 2002, has become one of the world’s most effective multilateral health instruments. The UK is a founding member and, to date, has contributed over £5.5 billion. Its work has facilitated major advances in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in low- and middle-income countries.
Cutting the UK contribution comes at a sensitive time. The UK is co-hosting the Fund’s next replenishment conference, which will set the agenda for the next three-year funding cycle. With other nations such as Germany pledging substantial sums, the UK’s decision is closely watched.
UK aid budget context
This potential cut also coincides with broader changes in UK official development assistance (ODA). While UK ODA reached £12.8 billion in 2022, contributions to multilateral organisations have fallen and pressure on the aid budget is mounting.
Aid-specialist organisations warn that any cut to the UK’s contribution to the Global Fund risks reversing life-saving gains. One estimate suggests that for every £10 million UK reduces, an additional 15,000 lives could be lost.
What’s next
The Government is expected to announce the UK’s contribution for the next three-year funding cycle ahead of the Autumn Budget. Sources say the decision will come in the coming weeks and will signal whether the UK intends to reclaim global leadership in health aid or step back.
