Proposed UK cuts to global aid fund could lead to 300,000 preventable deaths, say charities

"The UK is expected to slash its contribution to a leading aid fund combating preventable diseases, with charities warning this could lead to more than 300,000 otherwise preventable deaths. If confirmed, the anticipated 20% cut in the UK contribution to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, would be announced on the sidelines of next month's G20 summit in South Africa, which Keir Starmer is due to attend."

"Aid groups said such a reduction, on top of a 30% cut to the UK contribution at the previous funding round for the group three years ago, would further risk years of progress in combating the disease after Donald Trump slashed US aid. While no decision has been publicly announced before the Global Fund's replenishment summit, covering 2027-29, aid groups say a proposed reduction in UK funding from 1bn to 800m is being widely discussed by senior government officials."

The UK is poised to cut its contribution to the Global Fund by about 20%, potentially reducing support from £1bn to £800m for 2027-29. The cut would follow an earlier 30% reduction three years ago and a separate 25% reduction in funding to Gavi. The Global Fund is credited with saving tens of millions of lives combating AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. One aid agency estimated a £200m reduction could lead to up to 340,000 avoidable deaths and nearly 5.9 million avoidable infections over three years. Charities warned of a malaria resurgence, overwhelmed health systems and economic knock-on effects.

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