Pacific Friends of Global Health strongly welcomes the Australian Government’s pledge of $266 million to the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment to fight AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, cementing Australia’s commitment to end the three epidemics and strengthen health systems.
Australia has become the sixth donor to pledge early, with this significant investment in global health demonstrating Australia’s steadfast support for our neighbours facing worrying and escalating epidemics.
Professor Brendan Crabb, Chair of Pacific Friends of Global Health and CEO of Burnet Institute said the pledge is powerful proof of Australia’s leadership in global health and underscores regional leadership.
“We thank the Australian Government for this life-saving commitment. This $266 million pledge for the 8th Replenishment provides extraordinary value and impact - saving lives, strengthening our region and enhancing Australia’s own health security,” Professor Crabb said.
“Investing to strengthen health systems and lower the burden of diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria makes the region healthier and more resilient.”
The news comes as a major new report is being launched today in Canberra, which outlines escalating health crises such as HIV outbreaks in Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) and shows how critical Australia’s continued involvement and investment in international health efforts is.
The Global Fund’s Indo-Pacific Regional Impact Report reveals PNG recorded 11,000 new HIV cases in 2024 alone. This is equivalent to 30 new infections each day with nearly half among young people aged 24 and below.
Meanwhile, Fiji has officially declared an HIV outbreak in January 2025 following 1600 new infections in 2024, equivalent to four new cases daily, making it the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region.
The report found tuberculosis (TB) is also reaching crisis levels across the region, with PNG’s Health Minister declaring a “war” on the disease in June this year.
However the report also outlines the extraordinary return on investment Australian taxpayers receive by investing in disease fighting initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Every $1 Australia invests in the Global Fund delivers $13.60 in direct benefits to the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating the strategic value of continued Australian leadership in global health partnerships.
“The report lays bare the fact that this is not a distant crisis. They are health emergencies on our doorstep that directly impact Australia’s health security,” Professor Crabb said.
“Papua New Guinea and Fiji are facing incredibly fast-moving HIV outbreaks while TB remains PNG’s deadliest disease. Australia’s leadership is essential in bringing these numbers down and today’s investment will help.
“These health challenges are compounded by rising social pressures — from increased intravenous drug use among young people, to poverty, and housing insecurity. These factors are accelerating the spread of disease and making already fragile health systems even harder to maintain. So far, Australia’s investment in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, has saved more than 65 million lives since 2002.”
Negaya Chorley, CEO of global health advocacy group, Results International Australia said: “Australia has a strong record of investing in multilateral health initiatives. We are in a stronger position than ever to deliver regional health security that not only protects us but also provides life saving healthcare to those who need it most.
“We welcome Australia’s contribution, which sends a powerful message of regional leadership. Australia now has the opportunity to advance its health priorities with the backing of our world class expertise in research and innovation” Ms Chorley said.
Lady Ros Morauta, Board Chair of the Global Fund, is in Australia to launch the report. As PNG’s former First Lady, Lady Morauta championed health and HIV programs during critical early years of the epidemic and led the country’s Global Fund coordination before becoming Chair in May 2023, making her one of the most influential voices in global health.
Contact details:
Lauren Ferri: 0422 581 506
