The United Kingdom has reduced its contribution to the UK Global aid Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 15%, pledging £850 million ($1.14 billion) for the 2026–2028 period. The decision reflects Britain’s ongoing adjustment of its aid budget amid efforts to expand defence spending.
The UK Global aid Fund, based in Geneva, is a leading multilateral initiative supporting programs to combat the three infectious diseases worldwide. The UK, traditionally among its major donors, said the new contribution would help save up to 1.3 million lives and prevent as many as 22 million new infections during the upcoming funding cycle.
The pledge represents a decline from the £1 billion committed for 2023–2025, which was already a one-third reduction from Britain’s previous contribution in 2019. The government noted that, measured in U.S. dollars, the latest amount is “only 5% less” than its prior investment, citing currency fluctuations.
Cut tied to defence spending
Earlier this year, the UK government reduced its overall foreign aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income (GNI), directly affecting UK Aid Global Fund commitments.. The move redirected funds toward increasing annual defence expenditure, following calls from allies, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for European nations to strengthen military capabilities.
The shift has drawn concern from health advocates, who warn that decreased funding could slow progress in eradicating diseases that remain prevalent in low-income regions. The government has maintained that despite the cuts, its commitment to global health remains strong.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the UK “continues to be a leading supporter of global health programs” and that the new pledge “balances fiscal responsibility with our humanitarian priorities.”
Global funding challenges
The UK Global aid Fund is seeking to raise $18 billion to sustain its programs for the next three years. The organization says that amount would allow it to save 23 million lives and keep the world on track toward ending AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as public health threats.
Major donors have also faced budget constraints. Germany pledged €1 billion in October €300 million less than its previous cycle while the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matched its earlier commitment with $912 million.
Britain and South Africa are scheduled to co-host a donor pledging conference later this month in Johannesburg, aimed at encouraging contributions despite the tightening global fiscal environment.
The UK Global aid Fund, established in 2002, has played a central role in scaling up prevention, treatment, and diagnostic programs across more than 100 countries. Since its inception, it has helped save over 59 million lives through partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector.
While the UK Global aid Fund latest contribution to the remains significant, the cumulative reductions over successive funding rounds signal a broader trend of nations reassessing international aid amid competing domestic priorities. The outcome of the Johannesburg pledging event will be closely watched as an indicator of global commitment to disease eradication goals.
