UK warned that 15% cut to health fund will force ‘impossible choices’ on Africa

A Kenyan-made HIV test. The Global Fund, for which the UK is leading fundraising, is estimated to have cut deaths from HIV, TB and malaria by half since 2002. Photograph: S Adelakun/Reuters

The UK is undermining its legacy in fighting infectious diseases including Aids and malaria by cutting money pledged to a leading global health fund, campaigners claim.

The 15% reduction in the contribution to the Global Fund for Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced this week – in a year when the UK, alongside South Africa, is co-host of the fund’s replenishment drive – risks encouraging other countries to cut back commitments as well, advocates fear.