On 18 February 2025, South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK) announced they would work together to co-host the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment to raise money to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. They made this announcement in Johannesburg while launching the Global Fund’s Investment Case, a plan to raise $18 billion, for 2027-2029 cycle. The Investment Case contains ambitious goals to save 23 million lives, reduce deaths from these diseases by 64%, and strengthen global health security. This announcement happened alongside the first meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) Foreign Ministers in Johannesburg, held for the first time in Africa, emphasizing the group's emphasis on global cooperation, fairness, and sustainable development. The two-day G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting provides a platform where leaders discuss global political issues, review key achievements of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and reflect on the G20’s impact over the past 20 years.   The Global Fund’s impact on strengthening health systems   The Global Fund assists countries in strengthening their healthcare systems, enhancing services, and employing cutting-edge technologies while also minimizing disease impacts. Since its establishment in 2002, the Global Fund has played a crucial role in saving 65 million lives by funding health initiatives that deliver vital tools and services to prevent, diagnose, and treat HIV, TB, and malaria. For instance, in Zambia, life expectancy increased from 43 years in 2002 to 58 years in 2021, largely due to a decline in deaths caused by AIDS, TB, and malaria. Additionally, other nations that have benefited from Global Fund support have experienced significant advancements by collaborating to combat these diseases and enhance overall health. To prepare for potential future pandemics, the organization plans to allocate approximately one-third of the requested funding towards essential health infrastructure, including laboratory networks, disease surveillance, and healthcare worker training.   South Africa and the UK unite for global health solidarity   South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the significance of international cooperation in health initiatives. “Our pursuit of global health is a collective endeavor,” he remarked. “Our partnership with the Global Fund has been crucial for preserving lives and fortifying health systems across our country and continent. Co-hosting the Global Fund’s Replenishment aligns seamlessly with South Africa’s leadership in the G20 this year, as substantial investment in health represents one of the best avenues for fostering solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.”   In agreement, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating these life-threatening diseases. Over the last twenty years, the UK has been a leading donor to the Global Fund, contributing billions to fund life-saving treatments, prevention efforts, and community-led health programs. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the necessity of continuous action, declaring, “The UK is honored to partner with South Africa as co-hosts for the Global Fund’s Replenishment. Over the past two decades, the Global Fund has played a role in saving 65 million lives. Nonetheless, challenges posed by AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria continue, as stigma, antimicrobial resistance, and the climate crisis impede our progress toward eradication. The UK is steadfast in its commitment to tackling global health challenges, not only because it is the right moral choice but also as it furthers our Plan for Change in the UK by promoting global stability and development.”   Enhancing global health leadership   Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, praised South Africa and the UK for their strong commitment to improving global health. He emphasized that continuous funding is necessary to fight diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria. According to Sands, both nations play key roles in ensuring health is accessible to everyone and in strengthening the world’s ability to respond to urgent health threats. Sands also pointed out that leaders like South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are pushing for global cooperation to make healthcare a top priority and to create a fairer, healthier world.   South Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, reiterated the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent and treat diseases. He emphasized how collaborations, especially with the Global Fund, have been instrumental in significantly lowering HIV and TB rates in South Africa. In recent decades, the country has seen a 75% decrease in new HIV infections, while tuberculosis cases have fallen by over 66%. Nevertheless, Motsoaledi highlighted that ongoing support is essential, particularly for the most at-risk groups. He referred to the forthcoming Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment as a crucial opportunity for countries to unite, reinforce their commitments, and advance the progress that has already been achieved.   In addition to government efforts, the success of the Eighth Replenishment will rely on the active participation of the private sector and civil society organizations. Contributions from the private sector have increasingly become important in financing innovative health solutions, improving treatment availability, and creating new technologies to combat infectious diseases. Meanwhile, civil society organizations have played a key role in advocating policy reforms, mobilizing communities, and ensuring that essential resources reach the most marginalized populations. A vital aspect of this replenishment will be making sure that investments yield concrete results, especially in addressing health disparities. Experts emphasize the necessity of channeling funds toward strengthening health systems, improving local capabilities, and guaranteeing that vulnerable communities gain access to essential interventions.   Looking forward   As the world readies for the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, the joint hosting of the initiative by South Africa and the UK represents a critical step in maintaining global health financing and intervention strategies. With billions of dollars at stake, the outcome of this funding initiative will significantly influence the global capacity to halt new infections, deliver life-saving treatments, and enhance healthcare systems, particularly in at-risk regions. In the coming months, stakeholders, including governments, donors, and advocates, will collaborate to rally support, secure funding pledges, and strive towards ambitious financial targets.   The Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment is an important turning point for all stakeholders to pull together efforts to combat AIDS, TB, and malaria. Global leaders, civil society organizations, and private sector partners all have important roles in making it a success. By continuing to team up and invest in health programs, the goal of a world without these deadly diseases moves closer to reality.