Johnson & Johnson Foundation, Skoll Foundation and Comic Relief UK Commit Nearly US$15 Million to Strengthen Community Health Systems Across Africa
21 January 2026
DAVOS/GENEVA – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) has announced a £3 million commitment from Comic Relief UK to strengthen community health systems across Africa. This pledge builds on previously announced commitments of US$5 million from the Johnson & Johnson Foundation and US$6 million from the Skoll Foundation, together unlocking an additional US$14.9 million in matching funds from the Gates Foundation as part of the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment.
These investments will help countries sustain and expand the impact of community health workers across Africa, building on the success of the Africa Frontline First Catalytic Fund. The new funding will strengthen and finance community health systems for the long term, ensuring resilience in the face of future health challenges.
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, said: “Investing in community health is one of the most effective and equitable ways to save lives, build resilience and strengthen health systems from the ground up. The commitments from Johnson & Johnson Foundation, the Skoll Foundation and Comic Relief UK are foundational, setting the stage for others to join. Together, we can deliver lasting change that protects health for generations.”
A Proven Model for Impact
The Africa Frontline First Catalytic Fund has unlocked US$219 million to strengthen community health systems in 22 countries, directly supporting 68,000 community health workers with training, supplies, supervision and regular pay – enabling them to serve more than 40 million people.
In 2024 alone, community health workers supported through the Africa Frontline First Catalytic Fund tested 12.8 million people for suspected malaria and treated 7.7 million confirmed cases, helping avert countless under-five deaths by delivering lifesaving care to remote communities.
Hon. Elijah J. Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia, said “In Zambia, we are building the community health system of the future – one that serves our growing population and offers real career pathways. The Africa Frontline First Catalytic Fund has been instrumental in advancing our vision, from training more than 2,000 Community Health Assistants to strengthening the digital and payment systems that enable them to perform at their best. The Africa Frontline First platform demonstrates what visionary partnership can achieve.”
Samir Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Comic Relief, said: “At a time of intense pressure on global health, the Global Fund’s country-led approach gives real reason for hope and shows that progress in the fight against HIV, TB and malaria can be accelerated through this crucial, lifesaving partnership. We’re proud to pledge £3 million over the next three years, which is being generously matched one-to-one by the Gates Foundation, to support predominantly female community health workers across Africa who make sure that dignity and care reach those too often left behind.”
A Call to Action: Protect Progress, Invest in the Future
The success of Africa Frontline First proves what is possible when governments, communities and partners align behind a shared vision of sustainable community health. But sustaining this progress – and extending it to every community – requires urgent, collective action.
H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia noted: “The crisis before us today looks very different from those we’ve faced before. We must act decisively to protect our progress on community health and put these systems on a path to sovereignty. The Catalytic Fund has shown what’s possible when we align behind nationally led plans. In a moment that demands smart investments, community health is as high-value as it gets. I commend the Skoll Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Foundation and Comic Relief UK for their leadership – and I urge other donors to act, and to act soon. Community health workers do not have the luxury of uncertainty. They show up every day for their neighbors – may we all act with the same urgency.”
Howard Reid, Chairman, Johnson & Johnson Foundation: “Supporting community health workers is central to advancing access to quality care around the world. They are part of the social fabric of their communities, which is what makes their impact so powerful. The Africa Frontline First Catalytic Fund gives us the ability to champion their work at a large scale, ultimately strengthening health systems so that even more patients get connected to the care they need.”
Marla Blow, Chief Executive Officer, Skoll Foundation: “Community health workers represent the backbone of primary care in Africa. By investing in their sustainability, we are investing in equity, resilience and local leadership. This contribution reflects our belief that community health is the smartest, most sustainable investment we can make to protect lives and build stronger systems.”
Nan Chen, CEO, Africa Frontline First: “With the first fund, we put the wheels on the car. Now we’re adding sustainable fuel. Africa Frontline First is about sustainability, sovereignty and resilience – helping governments own, finance and protect what they’ve built, while driving up performance and driving down costs for the long term.”
Margaret Odera, Community Health Worker, Kenya: “Progress is precious and must be protected. Community health workers don’t want a job for a month – they want a career. The next fund brings us closer to the day when community health workers everywhere are recognized, paid and supported to serve their communities for life.”