Germany 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 El Ablali Radovan confirmed this financial commitment to the Global Finance Fund for the period from 2026 to 2028. The politician belonging to the Social Democratic Party said on the occasion of the opening of the World Health Summit in Berlin: “With this step, we are sending an important signal that Germany will continue its commitment to protecting people around the world from diseases.”
Al-Abli Radovan explained that achieving this funding came despite painful budget cuts and significant austerity pressures within the ministry, stressing that combating 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 benefits, as it strengthens health systems in partner countries and makes the world more resilient, and she added: “In this way, we will save millions of lives.”
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which was established in 2002, is the largest multilateral funding body in the field of health for poor countries, and its financing depends on the contributions of governments, philanthropic foundations and private donors.
The German Development Ministry explained that the new funding round aims to save the lives of more than 23 million other people. The German pledge also includes 100 million euros in debt swaps.
The World Health Summit, a specialized international conference, opened in the German capital, Berlin, yesterday, Sunday.
However, the German government’s announcement was met with praise from American billionaire Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, whose foundation works to reduce global disparities. Gates told the German newspaper Tagesspiegel that Germany’s commitment will contribute decisively “to saving millions of lives and putting the world back on a path of progress.”
Bono, co-founder of the One relief organization and lead singer of the rock band U2, also praised Minister Al-Abla Radovan, saying that she had demonstrated “a true leadership force” and also thanked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his “strong support.”