With so much at stake, public health leaders urged the UK government to prioritise access to healthcare and HIV services, even under the most challenging circumstances.
On September 2, an important roundtable meeting took place at Westminster Hall in UK Parliament:
“On the frontline: Responding to HIV and TB in Ukraine.”
The event brought together MPs, UK stakeholders, and international partners to discuss the ongoing response to HIV and TB in Ukraine, as well as the role of innovation, local organizations, and international support in sustaining vital health services. Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health (APH), was the guest speaker, sharing his experience and APH’s role from the frontline in Ukraine.
This year, the UK is co-hosting the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment, playing a crucial role not only in shaping its outcomes but also setting an example of leadership in global health security for other countries.
Since the invasion in 2022, Ukraine has faced unprecedented challenges. APH, together with other Ukrainian CSOs and supported by the Global Fund, has worked tirelessly to maintain HIV and TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.
The Global Fund’s allocation to Ukraine is $158.4 million for the current grant cycle 2024-2026. This support accounts for roughly half of Ukraine’s national response to HIV and TB, making the Fund’s role absolutely indispensable.
“The work of the Global Fund in Ukraine is critical to our foundation of defence across the European region.
Investing in ending infectious diseases and strengthening health systems is vital to protect global health security and peace.”– Sahera Ramzan, Policy Manager, Results UK.
Crucially, every second person diagnosed with HIV during the war was tested within APH-supported programmes, and over 40% of all those who started ART were referred and linked to services by APH and its partners. As a result, the number of people receiving treatment remains high in Ukraine, despite the war — clear evidence of the effectiveness of community-led action even in times of crisis.
“From Ukraine, we see firsthand the undeniable impact of the Global Fund in sustaining life-saving programmes, keeping HIV and tuberculosis epidemics under control, and bolstering global health security, even amidst immense challenges. We implore the UK to uphold its legacy of supporting global health with a commitment of at least £1 billion to the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, inspiring global solidarity for a healthier and more secure future for all.”
– Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director, Alliance for Public Health.
The briefing also featured the presentation of the latest Results UK report, “The Next Frontline: Health Systems as the Foundation of European Defence,” delivered by Sahera Ramzan, Policy Manager. The report provided updated statistics on Ukraine’s engagement with the Global Fund, showcased the impact of local organizations, and highlighted advocacy priorities for the upcoming replenishment.
Dianne Stewart, Head, Donor Relations and Deputy Director of External Relations and Communications, Global Fund Secretariat, presented the organization’s response to infectious diseases in conflict settings and the status of the ongoing 8th replenishment, outlining the Fund’s approach as a partner in Ukraine, its response in conflict and humanitarian settings, and the role of the UK government as co-host and donor.
The event also included brief remarks from UK stakeholders supporting the response to HIV and TB epidemics in Ukraine. John Plastow, Executive Director of Frontline AIDS, highlighted the long-standing partnership with APH and shared programs successfully implemented together in Ukraine. His remarks came against the backdrop of the UK’s significant support to Ukraine — £18.3 billion committed since the invasion in February 2022, including £5.3 billion in non-military assistance.
“The UK’s leadership around the 8th replenishment for the Global Fund is of vital importance to a country like Ukraine which is facing the interlocking challenges of one of Europe’s largest HIV epidemics, a funding crisis and the ongoing conflict. Such resourcing is vital to enable Frontline’s AIDS partner, the Alliance for Public Health to continue with its innovative work, which provides large numbers of Ukrainians with the healthcare they need. APH has also played a vital role in upholding health security in Europe through its impressive work in support of people who have left the country and for displaced and other vulnerable communities inside Ukraine.”
– John Plastow, Executive Director of Frontline AIDS
This briefing underscored the resilience of Ukrainian communities, the dedication of local health organizations, and the essential collaboration with international partners to ensure access to healthcare even in the most challenging circumstances. Together, we continue to learn, adapt, and ensure that vital health services reach those who need them most.
