France announced a significant cut in its contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, reducing its funding from €1.6 billion in the previous period to €660 million for the 2026-2028 cycle. This 58% reduction has raised alarm among health organizations, which warn that such cuts may lead to an increase in mortality rates among those affected by these diseases. The Global Fund, established in 2002, has been instrumental in saving approximately 70 million lives globally through a combination of health interventions and funding support regional efforts against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Vincent Leclercq, executive director of Coalition Plus, highlighted the serious implications of this funding decrease, stating that there is a direct correlation between the amount of funding available and the number of lives that can be saved. He mentioned critical health interventions such as antiretroviral treatments for HIV, malaria prevention methods like nets, and essential testing services, all of which could be jeopardized by the cut in funding. This situation poses a significant challenge to ongoing global health efforts aimed at combating these diseases.

The decision comes at a time when global health initiatives are already under considerable pressure, raising questions about the commitment of wealthy nations to support international health programs adequately. The 58% funding cut from France may lead to broader implications for the Global Fund's operations and its ability to continue providing essential support to countries significantly impacted by AIDS, TB, and malaria, potentially reversing years of health gains and endangering vulnerable populations around the world.