Canadian civil society organizations are concerned by the Government of Canada’s reduced pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, announced today at the Eighth Replenishment Summit in Johannesburg. Canada pledged $1.02 billion, which represents an almost 16% cut from its previous pledge in 2022.
Communities affected by HIV, TB and malaria, along with Canadian civil society, parliamentarians, health professionals and the research community have been clear that sustained Canadian support for the Global Fund is essential to protect hard-won progress. Rather than building on decades of leadership, the government has chosen to scale back its support – a move that undermines progress against three of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and weakens Canada’s credibility as a reliable global partner.
“Canada’s decision to reduce its commitment to the Global Fund is a painful setback at a time when global stability, Canadian prosperity, and lives quite literally hang in the balance. This sends the wrong message to partners who look to Canada for leadership. Investing in global health is one of the smartest, most cost-effective tools we have to build a safer, healthier, and more equitable world. This reduced pledge is a missed opportunity. As for Carney’s government to show the ambition and forward-thinking the moment demands,” said Taryn Russell, Executive Director of Results Canada.
At a time when Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized rebuilding trust and strengthening Canada’s global partnerships, reducing support for one of the world’s most effective health initiatives is a step backward for Canada’s values, trade, and development leadership. It undermines our reputation as a country that stands for equity, compassion, human rights, and cooperation - principles that not only define who we are but also support a more stable, equitable and prosperous world for everyone.
As G7 leader, Canada has had a clear opportunity to demonstrate global leadership and rally other governments to step up in the fight against AIDS, TB, and malaria. Instead, this decision, along with the cuts to international assistance in the recent federal budget, sends the opposite message: that Canada is stepping back when leadership is most needed.
“Canadians want progress protected, not reversed. By cutting the Global Fund pledge and breaking his promise not to cut aid, the Prime Minister has chosen political expediency over human life,” says Meg French, Executive Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Cuts to aid are neither smart nor strategic. Strong health systems abroad not only save and improve millions of lives, but also support economic resilience, promote security, and facilitate the growth of future trade partnerships, outcomes that benefit both Canada and the world.
The Global Fund has helped save more than 70 million lives since 2002, investing up to US$5 billion a year to defeat HIV, TB, and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. Canada’s investments in the Fund have consistently delivered extraordinary value, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, build resilient health systems, and protect Canadians by reducing the risk of future pandemics.
A reduced pledge has deadly real-life consequences: more infections, more people dying, fewer people receiving lifesaving treatment and prevention, weakened global health systems, and increased risk of drug resistance that threatens both global and Canadian health security.
“Beyond saving lives and strengthening healthcare systems, the Global Fund safeguards human rights at a time when they are being eroded. This is especially true for the most marginalized among us, including people living with HIV, LGBTQ+ people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people who have been imprisoned,” says Janet Butler-McPhee, Co-Executive Director of the HIV Legal Network. “Investing in the Global Fund is investing in safety and security for all, and we are disappointed by this significant cut that runs counter to Canadian values.”
