Lyon, 10th October – Global Health campaigners from ONE and (RED) are celebrating a key victory in the battle to eradicate three of the world’s most deadly diseases, after political leaders and global businesses agreed a new package of investment worth a staggering $14billion at the sixth replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The new funding will save over 16 million lives and enable vital progress towards ending the three pandemics by 2030. The record breaking total was made possible by the biggest ever investment from private sector donors, renewed pledges from the USA, UK, Germany, the EU and Italy who all increased their commitment to the Global Fund by over 15%, alongside replenishment hosts France who upped their contribution by more than 20%.

Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of ONE and (RED), said: “History seems to judge leaders on the wars they fought… well today the people in this room, led by President Macron, decided to win the biggest war of all and defeat the biggest killers humanity has faced. I call that historic.”

Gayle Smith, President and CEO of ONE, said: “This is a huge victory for humanity, which means millions more people will get a real shot at life. Now we have to seize on this momentum and make sure we end these diseases for good.

“We still have a long way to go but, as we have shown today, when there is the political will then a world free from AIDS, TB and malaria is within our reach. We owe it to future generations to finish the job.”

Romilly Greenhill, UK Director of ONE, said: “Securing $14 billion for the Global Fund is a major boost to the global fight against AIDS, TB and malaria. The UK’s vital contribution shows we truly are a Global Britain working to achieve peace, progress and prosperity for all.”

“By being the first major donor to pledge, and as one of the biggest donors overall, the UK’s continuing leadership is clear. Of the 16 million lives that are projected to be saved, the UK is responsible for 2 million of them, and we should be proud.

“We must now keep up the pace in building a healthier, safer world for all. Next year the UK hosts a major summit on vaccines (1), a major opportunity to show the world what our country stands for.”

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Notes to Editors:

• Next year the UK will host the replenishment conference for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which helps provide vaccines for millions of children in the world’s poorest countries. For more information, please visit org