As the global community confronts a pivotal moment in the battle against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, the European Union must decide whether to uphold its commitment to funding and supporting these vital health initiatives or risk undoing two decades of progress. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which has successfully saved over 70 million lives, exemplifies the significant impact that sustained investment can achieve.
However, the advancements made in public health are now jeopardized by a downturn in international funding. The pressing issue is not if the EU can afford to invest in the Global Fund, but rather if it can withstand the consequences of allowing these hard-won achievements to deteriorate.
Challenges threatening decades of progress
Declining funding, alongside climate change, armed conflicts, and the rise of drug-resistant strains, is reversing years of progress in combatting these three diseases. The situation is exacerbated for HIV prevention efforts by increasing criminalization and violence against vulnerable populations, leading to an alarming forecast of 1.3 million new infections in 2024, significantly above set targets. TB continues to be the deadliest infectious disease, facing challenges from expanding multidrug resistance, even within Europe. Malaria control is complicated by growing resistance to both insecticides and medications, as well as the severe impacts of extreme weather events. Without prompt and sustained investment, these issues could trigger a dangerous resurgence of all three diseases.
The implications of the current situation are dire. The latest reports from the Global Fund highlight extraordinary progress in 2024, with:
- 25.6 million individuals receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy, though 630,000 tragically succumbed to AIDS-related conditions;
- 7.4 million people undergoing TB treatment, with innovations such as AI-powered diagnostics being utilized by health workers in Ukraine;
- A 50% reduction in malaria deaths among African children under five over the past two decades, supported by the distribution of 2.2 billion mosquito nets and the elimination of malaria in ten countries since 2020. Yet, one child still succumbs to this preventable disease every minute.
Leveraging scientific breakthroughs for health equity
This juncture offers not only challenges but unprecedented opportunities. Recent scientific advancements provide powerful tools that can change the course of these diseases:
- Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral, presents new possibilities for achieving HIV-free generations;
- Dual-active ingredient mosquito nets are revolutionizing malaria prevention by combining physical barriers with intelligent vector control;
- AI-driven TB screening technologies are enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, even in the most disadvantaged settings.
These innovations underscore Europe’s ongoing commitment to research and development, as well as the private sector’s leadership in global health initiatives. For instance, BASF’s dual-active ingredient mosquito nets have been widely distributed in Nigeria, redefining malaria prevention strategies. Additionally, Delft Imaging’s portable digital X-ray systems facilitate TB screening in remote areas, while Siemens Healthineers is deploying state-of-the-art AI solutions to enhance TB diagnosis and triage.
However, the equitable deployment of these breakthroughs is essential to ensure that the most underserved populations benefit. This is where the Global Fund excels, facilitating access to these advanced solutions through community-led systems that reach those frequently marginalized.
The forthcoming G20 summit and the Global Fund’s replenishment present crucial opportunities for the EU to take the lead. EU leaders, including President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner SÃkela, have the chance to send a decisive message: Europe will not settle for