WCC NEWS: Global Fund gathering in Luxembourg underscores international solidarity in health

A high-level working lunch with Members of Parliament, organized in Luxembourg by Friends of The Global Fund Europe, acknowledged that the contribution of Luxembourg to the Global Fund is an example of international solidarity and commitment for Europe and for the world. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg. Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth 16 June 2026 Gracia Violeta Ross, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics, represented the WCC and served as a panel speaker.  Speakers presented data on the impact of funding cuts—particularly those from the US—in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby demonstrating the risks of disease resurgence as well as the consequences of deprioritizing international solidarity. Speakers also illustrated the transformative potential of innovation—specifically artificial intelligence applied to tuberculosis—demonstrating that current investments pave the way for the solutions of tomorrow. The lunch was attended by members of Parliament; members of the Committee on Health and Social Security; and members of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation, Foreign Trade, and the Greater Region. “Drastic cuts in international cooperation have led to the closure of community-led programs,” Ross said. “These are essential programs that reach communities that governments cannot reach.” Ross noted that the Global Fund not only supports HIV prevention and care—it strengthens health systems and community systems. “Many of its HIV investments were used in the COVID-19 response,” she said. “But beyond that, the Global Fund enables democracy and civic participation.” Ross urged support for countries moving towards domestic resource mobilization, while maintaining international solidarity. “These are complementary, not contradictory,” she said. “We now have an opportunity to highlight again the need for sustained commitment to HIV.” Ross added that Luxembourg is an excellent example of what international solidarity in health truly means—for Europe and for the world.  “We ask you to please continue supporting the Global Fund,” she said. “When you do so, that support reaches communities.” See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland