African Diplomats Reaffirm Africa’s Unwavering Commitment to Global Health and Support to the Global Fund’s Replenishment
First Pledge From Africa Announced
17 November 2025
ADDIS ABABA – Representatives from African Union Member States met last week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to engage on the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, just days ahead of the pledging summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The meeting – convened by the Global Fund and Ambassador Nonceba Losi, South Africa’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union – was held in the presence of Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health of Ethiopia. It also included representatives from G7 countries, with Ambassador Darren Welch, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, delivering key remarks as co-host of the Eighth Replenishment.
Participants commended South Africa for co-hosting the upcoming Global Fund Replenishment Summit – the first ever held on African soil. They emphasized the importance of increased investment in health and highlighted the Replenishment as a way to sustain and accelerate health gains across both the African continent and globally.
“The Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment is a moment to decide whether we will sustain momentum, or allow decades of progress to slip away,” said Ambassador Losi. “We must raise our voices to call for a fully funded Global Fund. We must make it clear to the world that this partnership remains vital. That it is not charity, but a shared responsibility. That investing in the Global Fund is investing in Africa’s health security, economic resilience and long-term self-reliance.”
The meeting saw a remarkable moment: the announcement of the first African pledge to the Eighth Replenishment – a US$3 million contribution by the Republic of Uganda, conveyed by Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia. African diplomats welcomed the pledge as a powerful demonstration of Africa’s commitment, leadership and shared responsibility in shaping a more inclusive global health ecosystem.
Through the discussions, participants reaffirmed Africa’s unwavering leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. They shared examples of impactful, country-led health programs and renewed their commitment to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable health systems that leave no one behind. A powerful example came from Dr. Daba, who underscored the lasting impact achieved in her country with support from the Global Fund. In 20 years, AIDS, TB and malaria deaths fell by 65%, life expectancy rose from 51 to 67 years, school enrolment rose to 84% and GDP grew nearly twentyfold.
Acknowledging the shifting global health landscape, participants called for urgent action to translate the principles of country ownership, equity and solidarity into measurable results through increased domestic investments, innovative financing and equitable access to lifesaving health innovations. They underscored that addressing today’s global health challenges requires bold, united and Africa-led action, moving decisively beyond business as usual.
“From scaling up regional manufacturing of vaccines and medical supplies, to strengthening health workforce capacity and advocating for fairer access to health technologies, African leaders are actively setting the agenda for a more balanced global health architecture,” said Ambassador Losi. “Africa stands ready to lead,” she concluded.
Africa and the Global Fund – A Longstanding Partnership
Between 2022 and 2025, 73% of Global Fund resources have been directed to African countries, supporting efforts to expand access to lifesaving services, strengthen health systems, empower communities and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage across the continent.
These investments have been transformative, contributing significantly to rising life expectancy. Between 2002 and 2021, life expectancy increased from 49 to 61 years in 15 sub-Saharan African countries, with more than half of this gain attributed to progress against the three diseases.
The Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment
The Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment campaign was launched in February 2025 under the leadership of South Africa and the United Kingdom.
As a co-host, South Africa is committed to a vision of universal health coverage and equitable access to lifesaving services for all. Under its G20 Presidency, the country has emphasized the urgent need for global solidarity in sustaining investments in health systems, which are vital for the African continent and global health security.
With a successful Replenishment, the Global Fund partnership could help save up to 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029, and reduce the mortality rate from AIDS, TB and malaria by 64% by 2029, compared to 2023 levels [ download in English | Français ], while strengthening health and community systems to fight new outbreaks and accelerate pathways to self-reliance.