Germany has announced the allocation of one billion euros over the next three years to support global efforts to combat AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. German Development Minister, Reem Alabali-Radovan, confirmed this financial commitment to the Global Fund for the period from 2026 to 2028.

The Social Democratic Party politician stated at the opening of the Global Health Summit in Berlin: “With this step, we send an important signal that Germany will continue its commitment to protecting people worldwide from diseases.”

Alabali-Radovan explained that securing this funding came despite painful budget cuts and significant austerity pressures within the ministry, emphasizing that fighting major infectious diseases is not only a humanitarian duty but also a rational necessity because pathogens know no borders.

She added that every euro invested in the fund pays off, as it strengthens health systems in partner countries and makes the world more resilient, adding: “This will save millions of lives.”

Founded in 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is the largest multilateral health financing organization for poor countries, relying on contributions from governments, charitable institutions, and private donors.

The German Development Ministry stated that the new funding round aims to save the lives of more than 23 million additional people. The German pledge also includes 100 million euros in debt swaps.

Meanwhile, the German AIDS aid organization “Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe” criticized the announced amount (one billion euros) as 300 million euros less than what was allocated for 2023 to 2025. The organization viewed the positive aspect as avoiding a larger reduction in the allocated amount.

However, the German government’s announcement was praised by American billionaire Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, whose foundation works to reduce global disparities.

Gates told the German newspaper “Der Spiegel” that “Germany’s commitment will decisively contribute to saving millions of lives and putting the world back on the path of progress.”

Bono, co-founder of the aid organization “ONE” and lead singer of the rock band U2, also praised Minister Alabali-Radovan in the same newspaper for demonstrating “true leadership strength,” and thanked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his “strong support.”

Fighting major infectious diseases is not only a humanitarian duty but also a rational necessity because pathogens know no borders.