2025 Global Poverty Laser Talks
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Engage: At the height of the AIDS crisis, the world came together to create the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Over the past two decades, this partnership has helped save 70 million lives.
Problem: Despite recent progress in global health, millions of people are still suffering and left behind by their health systems. For example, tuberculosis (TB) killed 1.25 million people in 2023 alone.
Inform: This fall, world leaders will make new pledges to support the Global Fund’s plan to save 23 million more lives over three years. The U.S. has played a key leadership role for decades. Our pledges bring other donors to the table by matching $1 for every $2 from other countries. After devastating cuts to foreign aid this year, maintaining the 1:2 match is vital.
Call to action: We need continued bipartisan leadership in Congress to deliver vital funding for the Global Fund. Can we count on you to support the U.S. 1:2 match, and will you urge appropriators to reflect it in the FY26 spending bill?
Protect foreign assistance in fiscal year (FY)26 budget
Engage: In July, Congress approved a rescission request that cut over $8 billion in foreign aid. That funding would have ensured that millions of children were fed, educated, and vaccinated.
Problem: Budget tactics such as partisan rescissions and year-long continuing resolutions (CRs) stifle lifesaving support for those around the world impacted by poverty.
Inform: Nearly 300,000 children have died as a result of foreign aid cuts this year. Now, Congress has an opportunity to prevent future deaths by passing a properly considered and bipartisan FY26 budget. House appropriators are calling for strong global health and education funding. The Senate must do the same. Any deal must also include safeguards against future partisan rescissions and impoundments.
Call to action: Senator, will you urge Senate leaders to follow the House’s lead for strong foreign aid funding in FY26? Will you also push for budget language that ensures funding is timely spent as intended by Congress?