Global Fund Commits Shs1.9 trillion to Fight TB, Malaria and HIV
By Skika Reporter
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has committed at least $521 million (approximately Shs1.9 trillion) to support Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria for the 2026–2028 funding cycle.
Officials at the Ministry of Health Uganda say the funding, although slightly reduced compared to the previous grant, remains substantial and critical in sustaining progress against the three diseases.
The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, confirmed the allocation, noting that it is about $80 million less than the previous funding cycle.
“We received a letter from the Global Fund confirming that Uganda has been allocated $521 million. This is a reduction from the previous grant, but it still remains a very substantial amount,” Dr. Olaro said.
He made the remarks during a national dialogue on priorities for HIV, TB, malaria, and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8, held in Kampala.
Dr. Olaro expressed optimism that the funding will strengthen health systems, expand access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and help reduce new HIV infections.
“In terms of HIV, we must intensify efforts to reduce new infections,” he said, adding that greater focus is also needed on identifying undetected TB cases.
“For TB, we estimate about 10,000 cases are missing in the community. These undiagnosed cases continue to spread the disease,” he noted.
The Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission, Dr. Nelson Musoba, said Uganda has made progress in reducing HIV prevalence but warned of a slight rise in new infections.
“HIV prevalence has dropped from 18 percent to 4.9 percent, but this still translates to about 37,000 new infections annually,” Dr. Musoba said.
He added that Uganda aims to reduce HIV-related deaths to 5,000 by 2030.
Meanwhile, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Raymond Byaruhanga, highlighted the ongoing burden of tuberculosis in the country.
“TB prevalence stands at about 197 per 100,000 people, with approximately 99,000 new cases registered each year,” he said.
The latest commitment follows an earlier $602 million grant for the 2021–2023 period, underscoring continued international support for Uganda’s efforts to strengthen its health system and combat infectious diseases.
