Leveraging Global Fund’s investments to expand innovative public-private provider engagement in TB

Abstract

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>TB remains a significant global health threat, claiming 1.3 million lives annually. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted progress in the global TB response. Most patients with TB initially seek care from private providers, whereas only a small proportion are engaged by national programmes. The Global Fund is the major international source of funding for TB responses and supports the scale-up of innovative private-public mix (PPM) models in TB.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>We collected programmatic and financial data on TB from 11 priority countries implementing PPM activities. Country examples and trends in the budget of Global Fund grants were analysed.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>These countries account for 60% of the global TB burden and Global Fund TB portfolio. PPM contributed 29% of national TB notifications in 2022 (range: 8% to 49%). During 2021–2023, US$1.4 billion was allocated for TB and US$155 million (11%) for PPM, while PPM contributed to 35% of national TB notification targets. PPM budgets increased over time from US$43 million (2002 to 2014) to US$129 million (2024 to 2026).</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>The Global Fund’s investments facilitated the expansion of innovative PPM models, improved access, and enhanced TB responses. Our indicative analysis underscores the need for evidence-based planning, collaboration, and increased domestic investment to accelerate the end of TB.</sec>