Germany plans deeper cuts to global health aid than previously disclosed, according to a draft from the Finance Ministry.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria is set to receive €100 million ($117 million) less than initially planned over the next few years, the draft stated.
The draft is to be submitted to the parliamentary budget committee.
Under the proposal, €370 million is earmarked for disbursement this year.
For 2026–2028, Berlin has proposed €850 million in commitments, down from the originally planned €950 million.
The budget committee is scheduled to review the plans on Thursday before the 2025 budget is adopted later this month.
Development organisation One described the Global Fund as a central financing instrument in international aid, aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The fund operates in 120 countries and supports disease treatment as well as preventive measures such as the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Germany’s Green Party criticised the proposed cuts.
“At a time when the U.S. is stepping back from global health financing, Germany is cutting funding for the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. That is disastrous,” Green budget politician Jamila Schäfer said.
She warned that inaction could result in major setbacks in combating the diseases.
The Greens, the second-largest opposition party, plan to propose raising the Global Fund’s allocation by €45 million this year and boosting total support to €1.4 billion for 2026–2028.
NAN