Proposed UK cuts to global aid fund could lead to 300,000 preventable deaths, say charities

One charity chief warned a global malaria resurgence was more likely if the UK reduced its contribution to the Global Fund. Photograph: Jérôme Delay/AP

The UK is expected to slash its contribution to a leading aid fund combating preventable diseases, with charities warning this could lead to more than 300,000 otherwise preventable deaths.

If confirmed, the anticipated 20% cut in the UK contribution to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, would be announced on the sidelines of next month’s G20 summit in South Africa, which Keir Starmer is due to attend.