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NHS and global health leaders urge UK to maintain £1 billion Global Fund pledge

21 October 2025

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Diaspora health leaders warn funding cuts would cost lives and threaten UK health security

More than 355,000 NHS and UK and Commonwealth health workers with global roots have urged the Prime Minister to protect Britain’s £1 billion commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, warning that any cut would cost lives and threaten UK health security.

In an open letter coordinated by Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), 19 presidents of UK health associations representing staff across the NHS and wider UK health system called on the Government to maintain its full pledge ahead of the 8th Global Fund Replenishment Conference in November.

The letter follows reports that the UK is considering a 20% reduction in its contribution – around £200 million – despite co-hosting the replenishment conference alongside South Africa.

Health leaders warn that cutting the UK’s contribution would undermine global progress in tackling infectious diseases, weaken health systems in partner countries and increase risks to UK public health.

“A false economy with fatal consequences”

Ben Simms, Chief Executive of Global Health Partnerships, said:

“This letter shows the strength of feeling among health professionals who serve both the NHS and global communities. They see first-hand how UK investments in strengthening health systems globally benefit the UK – building peaceful societies and helping to prevent the spread of diseases that impact the health of UK citizens.

Cutting this commitment to the Global Fund would be a false economy with fatal consequences. Maintaining the £1 billion pledge, alongside other UK investments in global health, is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.

“Global health is a shared responsibility”

The letter has also been endorsed by Dr Beccy Cooper MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health and Security.

“The Global Fund is one of the most effective and accountable vehicles for tackling AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and strengthening health systems around the world. Infectious diseases don’t respect borders and pose a threat to health security in the UK.

Investing in global health is not charity – it is a shared responsibility and a strategic imperative. At a time when global cooperation matters more than ever, the UK’s leadership and commitment to the Fund sends a powerful signal of solidarity and ambition.

I am proud to stand alongside over 355,000 health professionals who bring such vital perspectives and expertise from both the NHS and the communities most affected by HIV, TB and Malaria. Their call to maintain the UK’s £1 billion pledge is a reminder that investing in global health is also an investment in our own health system and in a safer, healthier future for all.”

Voices from the frontline

Justine Nakimuli, President, Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association, said:

UK investment in the Global Fund has transformed health systems across Africa – training nurses, strengthening clinics and saving lives. A cut now would undo that progress and weaken our shared defences. Health security doesn’t stop at our borders. When health systems overseas are strong, the NHS is stronger too. Protecting this pledge protects Britain.”

Marimouttou Coumarassamy, President, British Indian Nurses Association (BINA), said:

“Indian nurses have long contributed to the UK’s health system and global health efforts. The Global Fund embodies this spirit of shared responsibility and impact. By upholding its £1 billion commitment, the UK affirms its leadership in global health – strengthening systems, supporting workers and saving lives in every corner of the world.”

About the Global Fund

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has saved an estimated 70 million lives since its creation in 2002. It remains one of the most effective international mechanisms for tackling infectious diseases and strengthening health systems worldwide.

The UK has been a leading contributor to the Fund for over two decades and is co-hosting the 2025 Replenishment Conference alongside South Africa.

This post was written by:

Grace Money - Communications Consultant

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