Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening
Tokyo’s over 52 per cent funding cut to a global body fighting Aids and malaria risks damaging its hard-won reputation as a ‘peace nation’
The Switzerland-based Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, established in 2002, has saved an estimated 70 million lives in more than 100 countries by boosting testing capacity, surveillance systems, community networks and medical training.
At a meeting in Johannesburg last month, Japan pledged “up to” 81 billion yen (US$520 million) in contributions over the three years from 2026, stressing that “cooperation with the international community is essential” to prevent and respond to global health crises.
“Global health is not only directly related to people’s health, but is also a critical issue for the international community, including Japan, as it poses major economic, social and security risks,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “It is therefore important for Japan’s health and medical security.”
“The sudden announcement of a significantly larger reduction in contributions compared with other countries will undermine Japan’s long-standing credibility in the field of international cooperation,” it said in a statement, noting that the move came amid a backdrop of strains on government finances and a weak yen.