Strong Political Commitment to Global Health and SRHR
Last updated on: 24 April 2026
On 20 April, the multi‑party initiative (MPI) for global health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) was officially re-launched.
During the event at Nieuwspoort, Members of Parliament, civil society organisations and experts discussed the importance of strong Dutch leadership on these themes. New research was also presented, highlighting the significant impact of Dutch investments in global health and SRHR. The launch marked an inspiring and promising start to this collaborative initiative.
Broad political support
The MPI is hosted by the Dutch Global Health Alliance (DGHA) and the SRHR platform, of which Aidsfonds is a member of both. MPs Elles van Ark (CDA) and Sarah Dobbe (SP), co-chairs of the MPI, joined the initiative alongside Suzanne Kröger (PRO), Ruud Verkuijlen (VVD) and Mpanzu Bamenga (D66), thereby confirming their commitment to advancing global health and SRHR. This broad political backing reflects a common understanding that health and rights for all, regardless of where one is born, are a collective responsibility. In the coming weeks, conversations will continue with additional parties who were unable to attend the launch, inviting them to join the initiative as well.
Here you can view some statements made by Members of Parliament during the launch.
Research Findings: Insight into Dutch Impact and Investments
During the event, Charlie Nederpelt, an independent consultant, presented his research findings on Dutch investments in global health and SRHR between 2020 and 2024. The report shows that investments by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have generated substantial and measurable results, both in terms of health and rights, and economically.
The outcomes are striking:
More than 448,000 lives saved through treatment and prevention
9.9 million infections (HIV, malaria, TB) treated and 23 million tests conducted
More than 7.1 million children immunized against life‑threatening diseases
These results demonstrate that targeted Dutch engagement makes a real difference worldwide and provide a strong foundation for continuing this work effectively in the years ahead.
Whether you were present or missed the event, this video recap offers a vivid impression of the discussions, energy and commitment that shaped the launch.
A Strong Start to Continued Collaboration
The launch marks only the beginning. The conversations will continue during upcoming meetings of the multi‑party initiative on global health and SRHR. The roundtable discussion on the growing anti‑rights movement and the parliamentary committee debate on global health will offer Members of Parliament early opportunities to draw on the insights from the launch and bring these issues to the forefront.
The EU Steps Up for Global Health in Uncertain Times
The EU Steps Up for Global Health in Uncertain Times
Today, the European Commission announced its intention to pledge a total of €700 million overall for the 8th Global Fund’s replenishment, subject to the outcome of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations.
At a time when budgets are under strain, priorities are competing, and the world feels increasingly unstable, stepping up for people affected by HIV, TB and malaria around the world is very welcome and a clear sign of the EU’s ambition to lead on global health. This commitment will help save millions of lives and keep everyone safer, including in Europe. It will support Africa’s ability to lead on its own health priorities, and build resilience in places under severe stress. This includes countries affected by war, such as Ukraine, where the continuity of HIV and TB services is critical not only for emergency response, but also for long-term recovery. With many donors cutting back on aid, the Commission’s renewed support for the Global Fund sends a much-needed signal of leadership and solidarity.
Sidaction and Aidsfonds are pleased to jointly launch a call for scientific proposals for the year 2026, aimed at accelerating advances in HIV cure research.
The aim of this call for proposals is to fund research projects exploring mechanisms or strategies that will contribute to achieving a cure or remission for HIV. Projects may investigate mechanisms to target the viral reservoir or enhance immune-driven control, the development of new therapeutic concepts, as well as research in the social sciences related to HIV cure or remission.
Through this call, we aim to support research that will ultimately lead to major biomedical breakthroughs, foster social acceptance of cure interventions, and promote an HIV cure accessible to the largest possible number of people living with HIV worldwide.
