Nairobi, Kenya | 10–12 November 2026

The African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) joined faith leaders, civil society organisations, community representatives and development partners at the Second Think Tank on Sustainable Financing and Global Fund Advocacy, convened by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 10 to 12 November 2026.

The meeting provided an important platform for reflecting on the growing financial, political and public health challenges affecting the global response to HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Participants explored how governments, development partners, faith-based organisations and communities can work together to safeguard the gains made over the years and strengthen sustainable health responses.

Under the central call, “From Pledges to Action,” discussions emphasised that commitments to finance health programmes must translate into actual resources, accessible services and meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

Moving beyond funding commitments

A central theme of the Think Tank was the need to understand sustainability beyond the availability of financial resources. Participants observed that sustainable health responses require predictable financing, strong health systems, responsible leadership, community ownership and accountability.

While domestic resource mobilisation remains essential, participants cautioned against treating it as a reason for reducing international solidarity. Governments were encouraged to increase investment in health, protect essential programme budgets and fulfil their commitments, while development partners were urged to honour their pledges and ensure that promised resources reach the programmes and communities that need them.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of tracking resources throughout the financing process—from pledges and allocations to disbursements, expenditure and the delivery of services. Without effective accountability, financial commitments may not translate into tangible benefits for affected communities.

Strengthening community leadership and participation

Participants underscored the indispensable role of communities in sustaining the HIV, TB and malaria responses. Community-led organisations, civil society groups and faith-based institutions often provide essential services, including prevention education, psychosocial support, treatment adherence assistance, outreach and accompaniment of vulnerable populations.

However, these interventions are frequently among the first to face funding reductions when resources become constrained.

The Think Tank therefore called for greater recognition, protection and financing of community systems. Participants stressed that communities should not bear the burden of financing transitions or declining external support without adequate resources and institutional backing.

The role of Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) of the Global Fund was also discussed. These structures provide opportunities for governments, civil society, affected communities and other stakeholders to participate in setting priorities, developing funding requests and overseeing grant implementation. Participants highlighted the need for transparent representation, meaningful participation and accountability to the communities represented.

Equitable access to health innovations

Another important area of discussion was access to health innovations, including new prevention tools, diagnostics and treatment options. While scientific developments offer significant opportunities to improve health outcomes, participants observed that innovation cannot transform lives if it remains unaffordable or inaccessible to the people who need it most.

The discussions pointed to the importance of affordable medicines, generic production, local and regional manufacturing capacity and equitable access to new technologies. Participants also called for health financing approaches that recognise the different vulnerabilities experienced by women, young people and marginalised communities.

Faith leaders and the responsibility to advocate

The meeting reaffirmed that faith leaders and faith-based organisations have an important role beyond providing direct services and spiritual support. They can contribute to public advocacy by promoting human dignity, challenging stigma and discrimination, calling for responsible leadership and holding decision-makers accountable for their commitments.

Participants reflected on the responsibility of faith communities to stand alongside people affected by HIV, TB and malaria, particularly those whose voices are often excluded from decision-making spaces.

Discussions also addressed the importance of protecting civic space and supporting those who advocate for justice, human rights and accountable governance. Interfaith collaboration, solidarity among civil society organisations and stronger networks of community advocates were identified as important ways of sustaining advocacy efforts.

Investing in young people and future leadership

The Think Tank further highlighted the need to recognise young people as active contributors and leaders in shaping sustainable health responses. Participants discussed the importance of mentorship, ethical leadership and succession planning, noting that the future of the HIV response depends partly on the ability of established leaders and institutions to create opportunities for the next generation.

The discussions encouraged leaders to share knowledge, build young people’s capacity and provide meaningful opportunities for participation in policy, advocacy and programme leadership.

For AJAN, this emphasis resonates with its commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme for Youth (AHAPPY), which equips young people with knowledge, values and life skills to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities.

From dialogue to collective action

An important outcome of the Think Tank was the review of a joint faith leaders’ communiqué titled “From Pledges to Action: Faith Leaders’ Call for Action on HIV, TB and Malaria.” The proposed communiqué brings together the meeting’s key concerns and calls for stronger political commitment, sustainable financing, international solidarity, community leadership, equitable access to innovation and accountability.

Participants also reflected on the responsibility of faith leaders and faith communities to translate these commitments into action through advocacy, collaboration and accompaniment of affected communities.

For AJAN, participation in the Think Tank offered an opportunity to contribute to wider conversations on sustainable health financing while strengthening connections with faith-based and civil society partners working across the continent.

The discussions reaffirmed that sustaining the response to HIV, TB and malaria requires more than financial commitments. It calls for solidarity, accountable leadership, strong community systems and a shared determination to ensure that no one is left behind.

As the meeting’s central message emphasised: the time of pledges has passed. It is time for action.

More details on the meeting’s outcomes and recommendations will follow.….

Par, Mr. Dennis Owuoche

Chargée de communication, AJAN