What does political accountability look like when people’s access to care depends on it?

On 13 October, alongside the World Health Summit in Berlin, the Global Fund Advocates Network, Alliance for Public Health and Action against AIDS Germany brought together government representatives, Global Fund leadership and community advocates for “Political Leadership and Accountability in Global Health: From Promises to Delivery.”

The meeting launched the second phase of our Together We Save Lives campaign, opening with a new video featuring community voices from around the world.

The discussion explored the responsibilities that follow a funding pledge: delivering contributions in full and on time, meeting national commitments, protecting access to services and remaining accountable to the people these programmes serve.

Participants also examined how to sustain political and public support for global health when budgets are under pressure. Community representatives highlighted the importance of predictable funding, meaningful participation and political leadership that builds trust and challenges stigma.
One question prompted a particularly important exchange: as countries take greater responsibility for financing their responses, how can independent civil society advocacy and community services be sustained? Different perspectives highlighted the complexity of this transition and the need to keep communities involved in decisions.

The panel brought together Peter Sands of the Global Fund; Tania Rödiger-Vorwerk of Germany’s BMZ; Clarisse Paolini of France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Olivia Ngou of Impact Santé Afrique, Cameroon; and Anudari “Anuka” Anar of Youth LEAD Mongolia.

Dr Andriy Klepikov delivered opening remarks, Professor Michel Kazatchkine offered closing reflections, and Gracia Violeta Ross and Peter Wiessner moderated the discussion.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to an open exchange on how we can sustain solidarity, strengthen accountability and protect progress against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.