Youth campaigners from Restless Development have taken a bold stand in Westminster today, installing a striking vending machine with a powerful message. The machine, labeled “Fund the Fight”, is stocked with essential tools such as mosquito nets, TB tests, and HIV medicines, but is intentionally marked as “out of order”.
This symbolic gesture serves as a reminder to the UK Government that their previous £1 billion contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria must be upheld. Anything less would be “out of order” and could jeopardize the lives of thousands, even millions, of people.
The vending machine also highlights the potential impact of the UK’s leadership and investment in global health. Without their support, these life-saving tools may become out of reach for those who need them most.
Recent polling by More in Common for Restless Development reveals that 80% of young Britons (16-24) believe it is important for the UK to invest in global health, even in the face of domestic challenges. Additionally, 70% believe that helping improve health abroad is part of the UK’s responsibility as a global leader, and 85% personally care about the UK’s support for efforts to combat diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria.
“The Global Fund continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the health and futures of young people across the globe. Yet without full replenishment, those hard-won gains are at serious risk. Young people in the UK are calling for action. Let’s listen to youth people and keep our commitments to the life-saving Global Fund,” says Alex Kent, Co-CEO of Restless Development.
With the recent decision to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote, there is a clear mandate for the UK Government to listen to the voices of young people. As the new Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper has a unique opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to young voters by protecting the UK’s leadership in global health and recommitting to the Global Fund.
The Global Fund has already saved 50 million lives, and it is imperative that this progress continues. As demonstrated by the passionate young campaigners today, failing to fulfill previous commitments to the Fund would not only be “out of order”, but also put millions of lives at risk. It is time for the UK Government to stand up and take action to ensure the continued success of the Global Fund.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.