Skip to main content
  Ending HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis

The EU must do Whatever It Takes to End HIV, TB and malaria

Alongside Aidsfonds and Friends of the Global Funds, Global Health Advocates collaborate to end HIV, TB and malaria by 2030. They work together on the #WhateverItTakes campaign that strives for a successful Global Fund replenishment in 2022 through a robust pledge by the European Commission.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

20 years ago, AIDS, TB and malaria claimed millions of lives. An HIV-positive diagnosis was a death sentence, TB was spinning out of control and malaria mortality grew rapidly. The epidemics were ravaging entire communities, especially in Africa, and were increasingly seen as threats to socio-economic development and political stability. The world responded by creating the Global Fund. For the last 20 years, donors, governments, communities, civil society, health workers and experts have been working together to stop the three diseases in their tracks.

The Fund’s successes were made possible thanks to its innovative partnership model; its investments in health systems strengthening alongside HIV, TB and malaria interventions; the critical – and at its inception, ground-breaking – leadership and involvement of affected communities at all levels of the decision-making process; its commitment to advancing human rights and gender equality; and its co-financing policy that stimulates domestic investments in health for long-term sustainable programmes.

But this success is at stake: for the first time in 20 years, the world lost ground in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria because of COVID-19. We are now at a pivotal moment in the fight against these three diseases.

The Global Fund has saved 44 million lives since its creation, empowered communities, and given life prospects to people who would have otherwise been left behind

THE OPPORTUNITY

In September 2022, the Global Fund will hold its replenishment Conference in the United States. The Fund seeks to raise at least USD 18 billion to put the world back on track toward ending AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria as well as to strengthen health systems and prepare the world for future pandemics, as presented in its investment case for the next 3 years. This 30% increase is the bare minimum amount in order to achieve the SGD 3 the international community committed to.

Building on its historic partnership with the Global Fund, in a context where COVID-19 has derailed the fight against the three diseases, the EC must do Whatever It Takes to protect everyone, everywhere from the deadliest epidemics and pledge €715 million in the Global Fund. 

With $US 18 billion, the Global Fund will: 

  • Save 20 million more lives (2024-2026)
  • Catalyse domestic investments of up to US$ 59 billion
  • Strengthen inclusive systems for health and pandemic preparedness
  • Spur €28 in economic returns and health gains for every € invested

The EU must do #WhateverItTakes

2022 is a tipping moment. We need another moment of global solidarity and leadership. More critically than ever, the European Commission must do #WhateverItTakes to protect lives, end HIV, TB and malaria, advance health equity, and protect everyone, everywhere from the deadliest infectious diseases. To invest more in the Global Fund is to invest in leveraging on the HIV, TB and malaria responses to build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable systems for health and strong community systems. It is investing in tackling human rights and gender-related barriers and in the leadership of communities. 

The Global Fund’s story wouldn’t have been a success without the support of the European Commission (EC), and more broadly the European Union. The European Commission has been instrumental in the creation and development of the Global Fund. Replenishment after replenishment, the EC stepped up its investments, contributing to successful replenishment campaigns. The 20 years of partnership between the EC and the Global Fund is now more vital than ever.

A 30% increased pledge to the EU is a commitment to maximising the engagement and leadership of communities living with HIV and affected by TB and malaria, to ensure that no one is left behind and that services are designed to respond to the needs of people. A 30% increase is crucial to commit to achieving the SDG3 and eliminating the three diseases by 2030, as promised 15 years ago