Michael Gwarisa
Amid declining donor support for health programmes in Africa and globally, the European Union has committed US$750 million (€700 million) to the Global Fund’s 8th replenishment to strengthen the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
The announcement was made by Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships, at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France.
“Global health security is a shared responsibility and a strategic investment in our common future. With our support to the Global Fund and our new One Health initiative with Africa, the European Union confirms its commitment to strengthening health systems and global health resilience. The EU remains a reliable partner committed to international cooperation and long-term investment in global health through Global Gateway,” said Síkela.
The European Commission said the full US$750 million pledge will go toward the 8th replenishment, with about US$198 million immediately available under the current long-term budget. Country-level grants from the replenishment will be implemented between 2027 and 2029.
The Global Fund is a global partnership to defeat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. It has saved millions of lives and significantly reduced deaths from the three diseases, while investing in resilient and sustainable health systems. The initiative prioritises vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls who often face barriers to accessing lifesaving services.
Team Europe, comprising the European Commission and EU Member States, remains one of the largest contributors to the Global Fund, with a combined pledge exceeding US$3.2 billion for the 8th replenishment. Since 2002, Team Europe has contributed roughly one third of total donor funding.
In addition, the EU announced a US$50 million (€46.5 million) investment to strengthen Africa’s health security systems and deepen cooperation between European and African institutions. The funding will support the One Health workforce and scale up efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The investment will enhance surveillance, prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance at national, regional and continental levels. It will also strengthen laboratory systems, improve diagnostics, and expand collaboration between European and African health agencies over the next five years.
“With this action, the Commission, through its Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, is strengthening EU preparedness by supporting innovation for antibacterial products and other countermeasures against antimicrobial resistance. By aligning innovation from early discovery through to clinical validation, we can accelerate the development of these lifesaving products and ensure their availability. This approach tackles AMR and strengthens EU readiness for future health threats,” said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
Implementation will be carried out with key partners including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Food Safety Authority, the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, and the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions.
Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most serious global health threats. If no action is taken, it is projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, with 4.5 million of those in Africa. It is already linked to more than 35 000 deaths each year in Europe and costs European health systems an estimated US$11.8 billion annually.
