Peter Sands, the head of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, recently emphasized the intertwined nature of climate change, conflict, and public health during a speech in London. His comments come ahead of the release of the Global Fund’s 2024 report, which reviews its activities from the previous year and outlines progress made in addressing the three diseases amid the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.

Sands expressed concern that while advancements have been made in combating AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, the overarching issues of climate change and conflict are overshadowing health initiatives. He noted that these challenges are inseparable from health, stating, “It is certainly the case that global health is somewhat eclipsed by issues around climate change and conflict.” He underscored that the most vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of what he referred to as a “triple whammy” of crises: climate change, conflict, and disease.

The impact of climate change on health is multifaceted. It exacerbates malnutrition and increases the prevalence of diseases, while ongoing conflicts can lead to healthcare system collapses. Sands pointed out that more lives are often lost due to the degradation of healthcare services than through direct violence. This alarming reality highlights the need for a holistic approach to public health that considers these overlapping crises.

Despite these challenges, the Global Fund has reported notable improvements in its efforts. The Fund, which is the largest international financier of TB and malaria initiatives and the second-largest for HIV, allocated over $5 billion annually towards these diseases. The 2023 report indicates significant strides: approximately 25 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV, 7.1 million were treated for TB, and 227 million mosquito nets were distributed to protect against malaria in countries where the Global Fund operates.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Global Fund has contributed to a 61% reduction in the combined death rate from these three diseases, effectively saving an estimated 65 million lives. However, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left donor governments wary of committing additional funds for health initiatives. Sands expressed concern about the upcoming financing round for 2026-2028, emphasizing the need for renewed support from global donors.

In addition to direct funding for treatment, the Global Fund advocates for price reductions in medical supplies, successfully negotiating lower costs for HIV and TB treatments in 2023. The Fund aims to ensure that innovative tools, such as Gilead Science’s long-acting injectable drug lenacapavir for HIV, are available at affordable prices. Sands noted, “They have to be at a price point where we can provide them at scale,” stressing the importance of accessibility to these new treatments.

The challenges presented by climate change and conflict necessitate a comprehensive and collaborative approach to global health. By addressing the root causes of health disparities and mobilizing resources effectively, the Global Fund aims to continue its mission of saving lives and improving health outcomes worldwide. As Sands aptly stated, the intersections of these crises require urgent attention to ensure that the world’s most vulnerable populations are supported in their fight against disease.

(Adapted from TBSNews.net)