Continued investments to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria will lead to enormous health gains and a high return on investment, study finds.
The Global Fund is a worldwide partnership to defeat these diseases and ensure a healthier, safer and more equitable future for all.
A team of researchers including an Imperial modelling team estimated the potential impact of financial resources needed in Global Fund-supported countries over the years 2027 to 2029. This work shows that if the Global Fund achieves its goal of raising another $18 billion US dollar, and this is complemented by domestic and other financing sources, the optimal use of these resources could save up to 23 million lives and prevent 400 million cases and new infections over that three-year period.
In a time of funding uncertainty, continued investment is vital to sustain progress and support the programs delivering life-saving impact. Dr Peter Winskill, study author
In addition, driving these diseases down will also free up millions of hours of healthcare worker time in primary care, which can be devoted to other patients, and augment the workforce to boost overall economic productivity. Overall, for every $1 US dollar invested, the researchers anticipate $19 US dollar of value being created.
Study author Dr Peter Winskill said: "This analysis highlights the immense potential of a fully funded Global Fund to protect and advance global health. In a time of funding uncertainty, continued investment is vital to sustain progress and support the programs delivering life-saving impact."
Lead author professor Timothy Hallett, adds: "The scientific evidence is actually very clear: if these amazing programs that are combating HIV, tuberculosis and malaria so successfully remain well supported, then these deadly epidemics can be driven down to levels that could not have been dreamt of back at the turn of millennium when this fight back began."
The past six months have seen a lot more uncertainty in the global health funding landscape. Dr Pete Winskill: "These estimates reinforce how important it is to keep supporting organisations like the Global Fund to ensure we continue to save lives and protect the progress we have made".
