Germany Plans Further Cuts to Global Health Funding

The German government is preparing to scale back its contributions to global health initiatives more sharply than previously announced, according to a Finance Ministry statement presented to the Bundestag’s Budget Committee.

Under the revised plan, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria will receive €100 million less than originally scheduled over the coming years.

While €370 million remains earmarked for 2025, funding commitments for 2026–2028 are set to fall to €850 million, down from the initially planned €950 million.

The Budget Committee is reviewing the spending proposals this week, with a final decision expected later this month.

The development organization ONE described the Global Fund as the central financing instrument in international cooperation against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Operating in 120 countries, the fund not only provides life-saving treatments but also distributes preventive tools such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The proposed cuts have drawn sharp criticism from Germany’s Green Party. Budget policy expert Jamila Schäfer condemned the move, warning that it comes at a time when the United States is also withdrawing from global health financing. Schäfer argued that failure to honor commitments risks major setbacks in the fight against these deadly diseases.

In response, the Greens plan to submit a proposal urging the Budget Committee to increase Germany’s contribution by €45 million this year and to raise total allocations for 2026–2028 to €1.4 billion.