Germany is preparing to slash its contributions to international health initiatives more deeply than initially expected, according to a draft budget from the Finance Ministry.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria could lose €100 million ($117 million) in German funding over the next few years if the plan goes ahead.
The draft, which is scheduled for submission to the parliamentary budget committee, allocates €370 million for 2025. However, proposed commitments for 2026–2028 total €850 million—down from the €950 million previously planned.
The budget committee will review the proposals on Thursday, ahead of final approval of the 2025 budget later this month.
The Global Fund, widely regarded as a cornerstone of international health financing, works in more than 120 countries. It supports treatment programs and preventive measures, such as providing insecticide-treated mosquito nets to fight malaria.
Development organisation One warned that the proposed cuts could have far-reaching consequences, stressing that the Fund plays a critical role in preventing and containing the spread of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria worldwide.
Germany’s Green Party also criticised the plan. Jamila Schäfer, a Green budget spokesperson, said the timing was especially troubling given declining U.S. contributions to global health aid.
“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,” Schäfer said, cautioning that the move could result in major setbacks.
The Greens, currently the second-largest opposition party, announced they will push for an additional €45 million in funding this year and propose raising total support for the Global Fund to €1.4 billion for 2026–2028.