On July 7, 2025, we hosted the third edition of our "Quo Vadis, Global Health?" fireside chat series. This time, the discussion focused on the Global Fund’s role in responding to emergencies and strengthening global health security.

Together with our speakers from Bangladesh, Jordan, and the Global Fund, we explored the challenges and opportunities of protecting health systems in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, underlining the urgent need for sustained funding and political commitment.

Participants included:

Francesco Moschetta, Manager of the Implementation and Challenging Operating Environment Team, the Global Fund
Dr. Md Akramul Islam, BRAC, Bangladesh
Syed Arif Hussain, Program Manager, IOM Mission in Jordan

Moderation: Johanna Fipp (Action Against AIDS Germany) and Alexandra Gurinova (Deutsche Aidshilfe)

Quick recap

The discussion highlighted the Global Fund’s approach to emergencies and its crucial contribution to building health resilience worldwide. Speakers emphasized the importance of adapting to challenging environments, supporting conflict-affected regions, and protecting vulnerable groups such as refugees and internally displaced persons. Central to the discussion was the need for strong partnerships with local actors and civil society, innovative interventions, and sustained funding to ensure continuity and impact of health programs.

Key points (Emergency response & flexibility)

• Francesco explained how the Global Fund adapts dynamically through policies like the Challenging Operating Environment Policy and rapid reprogramming of funds, mobilizing over $150 million in emergency funding since 2014
• Challenges in conflict zones: Arif described the health system struggles in the Middle East (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Palestine, Libya), highlighting instability, displacement, and economic collapse. He emphasized the need for ongoing support and robust monitoring mechanisms
• Public health in displacement settings: Akramul illustrated the complexity of addressing health needs in Rohingya refugee camps and during flooding emergencies in Bangladesh, especially around TB, malaria, hepatitis, and gender-based violence. He stressed regional cooperation and urgent attention to emerging issues like drug-resistant malaria
• Innovative approaches: Examples included AI-supported X-ray reading, HIV self-testing, integrated community case management, and mobile clinics, showcasing adaptive, locally tailored strategies in fragile contexts
• Sustained funding needs: Budget reductions threaten progress. Both Arif and Akramul stressed the necessity of stable financial commitments from partners like the Global Fund to maintain and expand essential services, especially where domestic fiscal space is limited

Next steps

• Maintain and expand emergency funding for crisis-affected countries
• Continue and deepen partnerships with organizations such as IOM and BRAC to tailor interventions locally
• Prioritize funding for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced populations
• Advocate strongly for the upcoming Global Fund replenishment to secure sufficient resources
• Incorporate climate vulnerability and resilience into future strategies
• Strengthen country dialogues by involving humanitarian actors and civil society early in planning and allocation processes

The discussion clearly underscored the vital role of the Global Fund in fragile and conflict-affected settings. All speakers highlighted that without sustained funding and strong partnerships, recent gains risk being lost. The session closed with a group photo and warm thanks from Tanja to all participants for their valuable insights and continued commitment.

Watch the recording of our Fireside Chat here to learn more about the Global Fund’s emergency responses and hear directly from experts working in crisis settings.