African diplomats reaffirm Africa’s unwavering commitment to global health and support for replenishing the Global Fund – press releases

African diplomats reaffirm Africa’s unwavering commitment to global health and support for replenishing the Global Fund

The first African pledge was announced

November 17, 2025

– Representatives of African Union member states met last week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to interact within the eighth replenishment of the Global Fund, just days before the donor summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The meeting – convened by the Global Fund and Ambassador Nonceba Losi, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union – was held within the presence of Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health of Ethiopia. It also included representatives from G7 countries, including Ambassador Darren Welch, British Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, who delivered key remarks as co-host of the eighth complement.

Participants praised South Africa for co-hosting the upcoming Global Funding Summit – the primary ever to be held on African soil. They stressed the importance of increased investment in health and highlighted Replenishment as a strategy to sustain and speed up health gains each on the African continent and around the globe.

“The eighth replenishment of the Global Fund is a moment to decide whether to maintain the momentum or let decades of progress slip away,” said Ambassador Losi. “We must call loudly for a fully funded Global Fund. We must make clear to the world that this partnership remains essential. That it is not charity, but a shared responsibility. Investing in the Global Fund means investing in Africa’s health security, economic resilience and long-term self-reliance.”

There was a remarkable moment on the meeting: the announcement of the primary African commitment to the Eighth Replenishment – a contribution of $3 million from the Republic of Uganda, made by Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Ambassador of Uganda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union. African diplomats welcomed this commitment as a strong demonstration of Africa’s commitment, leadership and shared responsibility in shaping a more inclusive global health ecosystem.

Through discussions, participants reaffirmed Africa’s unwavering leadership within the fight against HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. They shared examples of effective country-led health programs and renewed their commitment to constructing resilient, inclusive and sustainable health systems that leave nobody behind. A strong example got here from Dr. Daba, who highlighted the lasting impact achieved in her country because of support from the Global Fund. In 20 years, deaths from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria dropped by 65%, life expectancy increased from 51 to 67 years, school enrollment increased to 84%, and GDP increased almost twentyfold.

Recognizing the changing global health landscape, participants called for urgent motion to translate the principles of country ownership, equity and solidarity into tangible results through increased domestic investment, progressive financing and equitable access to life-saving health innovations. They stressed that meeting today’s global health challenges requires daring, united, African-led motion that goes well beyond business as usual.

“From increasing regional production of vaccines and medical supplies to increasing the capacity of health workers and promoting more equitable access to health technologies, African leaders are actively setting the agenda for a more sustainable global health architecture,” said Ambassador Losi. “Africa is ready to lead,” she concluded.

Africa and the Global Fund – a long-term partnership

From 2022 to 2025, 73% of Global Fund resources were directed to African countries, supporting efforts to expand access to life-saving services, strengthen health systems, empower communities and speed up progress towards universal health coverage across the continent.

These investments were transformative, contributing significantly to increasing life expectancy. Between 2002 and 2021, life expectancy increased from 49 to 61 years in 15 sub-Saharan African countries, with greater than half of the rise attributable to progress within the fight against these three diseases.

Eighth replenishment of the Global Fund

The Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment campaign was launched in February 2025, led by South Africa and the United Kingdom.

As co-host, South Africa is committed to achieving the vision of universal healthcare and equal access to life-saving services for all. During its G20 presidency, the country stressed the urgent need for global solidarity in maintaining investment in health systems, that are crucial for the African continent and global health security.

With the successful completion of the Replenishment project, the Global Fund partnership could help save as much as 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029 and reduce mortality rates from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 64% by 2029 in comparison with 2023 levels. [ download in English | Français ]while strengthening health systems and communities to combat recent disease outbreaks and speed up pathways to self-reliance.