Archive · 11 Nov 2025
UK Slashes Aid to Global Disease Initiative by 15%
The United Kingdom is giving less money to a big international program that fights deadly diseases like AIDS, TB, and malaria.
They used to give 1 billion pounds, but now they are giving 850 million pounds, which is a 15% cut.
This is happening because the UK is spending more money on its army and defense.
Even with less money, the UK says their contribution will still help save many lives and stop millions of people from getting sick.
Other countries are also giving less aid because their budgets are tight.
The UK and South Africa are hosting a meeting soon to ask other countries and organizations to give money to this important health program.
Britain has cut its contribution to a global initiative fighting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 15%.
The new pledge is 850 million pounds ($1.14 billion) for the 2026-2028 period.
This follows a previous reduction in aid, making the current contribution one-third lower than in the 2019 cycle.
The UK government has reduced its overall aid budget to prioritize increased defence spending.
The Global Fund aims to raise $18 billion to save 23 million lives over the three-year period.
- Who
- The United Kingdom
- What
- Slashed its contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 15%.
- When
- On Tuesday
- Where
- London (reporting) / Johannesburg (pledging event)
- Why
- To increase defence spending amid tighter national budgets.
- New Contribution
- 850 million pounds ($1.14 billion)
- Cut Percentage
- 15%
- Previous Contribution (2023-25)
- 1 billion pounds
- Diseases Targeted
- AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria
- Reason for Cut
- Increased defence spending, tighter budgets
- Pledging Event Co-hosts
- Britain and South Africa