The Debt Doesn’t Add Up

Putting Debt Justice on the Global Agenda

Across AHF country programs, activations for the global Freedom from Debt campaign are raising awareness of how debt burdens limit countries’ ability to fund essential public services, including health care. Through events, advocacy, and media engagement, teams are calling for debt justice and greater investment in public health.

Three people seated at a panel beneath Freedom from Debt banners

Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Prime Minister of Thailand, speaks during AHF Thailand’s Freedom from Debt panel discussion in Bangkok.

On Oct.14, AHF Thailand hosted a panel discussion and press conference in Bangkok as part of the Freedom from Debt campaign, attracting more than 70 attendees.

Panelists included former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, AHF Co-Lead and Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Policy Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, Tax Justice Network Africa Policy, Tax & Equity Officer John Thomi, and SWING Foundation Executive Director Surang Janyam.

A diverse group of people gathers around tables while one person speaks into a microphone

Journalists engage panelists in a Q&A on debt justice and its implications for public health in Thailand.

The event called for action on the global debt crisis, which limits developing countries’ ability to fund essential public services, and highlighted three campaign priorities: strengthening the Borrowers’ Forum, establishing mandatory debt-service pauses during public health and climate crises, and implementing a 1% global Artificial Intelligence Solidarity Levy to fund debt relief, public health, education, and social protection.

“The global debt crisis has real consequences for people’s most basic rights. Governments should not be forced to choose between funding hospitals and schools and servicing unfair debt payments, but that is the reality many lower-income countries face under today’s inequitable financial system,” said Dr. Chhim Sarath, AHF Asia Bureau Chief. “Our message in Bangkok is that countries bearing the greatest debt burdens must have a meaningful say in shaping the policies that affect their people and their future. We need a fairer system that protects human dignity and puts people’s needs ahead of debt payments through bold reforms.”

To view the full AHF Thailand panel discussion click here.

Harare, Zimbabwe.

AHF Zimbabwe engaged media representatives in its Freedom from Debt campaign, encouraging them to actively amplify African countries’ calls for global financial reform and fair debt negotiations, while highlighting how Zimbabwe’s $23.7 billion public debt limits funding for development.

Buenos Aires, Argentina.

AHF Argentina met with members of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies and their legislative teams, where they presented the Freedom from Debt campaign’s objectives and proposals, highlighting how national debt burdens affect governments’ ability to fund essential public services, particularly health.

Maseru, Lesotho.

AHF Lesotho brought together 20 civil society organizations to strengthen support for the Freedom from Debt campaign, coordinate advocacy priorities, and prepare evidence-based recommendations to engage decision-makers on the country's public debt.

Quezon City, Philippines.

AHF Philippines convened a public forum with debt justice advocates, economists, civil society leaders, and community representatives to examine the country’s nearly $315 billion debt and call for greater transparency and public participation in debt governance.

To view past Freedom from Debt initiatives click here.

Recognizing AHF Sierra Leone’s Impact

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Miata Jambawai Kaisamba (second from left), AHF Sierra Leone Country Program Director, and Esther Teh (right), AHF Sierra Leone Prevention and Advocacy Manager, accept the highest Excellence Award on behalf of AHF.

On Oct. 16, AHF Sierra Leone received the highest Excellence Award from the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), recognizing AHF's commitment to quality health care and its contributions to the country’s development landscape.

AHF Sierra Leone commemorates World AIDS Day in 2022.

"I am profoundly honored to receive, on behalf of AHF, the highest Excellence Award from SLANGO—recognizing AHF’s unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and meaningful change," said Miata Jambawai Kaisamba, AHF Sierra Leone Country Program Director. "This achievement celebrates a shared vision realized through dedication and collective purpose. It reflects the invaluable guidance and steadfast support of AHF Senior Management, whose confidence inspires us to deepen our service and impact."

A group of workers in hard hats and reflective vests gathered outdoors

Mine workers receive sexual health education and free condoms from the AHF team in 2026.

As Sierra Leone’s largest private provider of HIV/AIDS care and treatment, AHF expands access through HIV/STI testing and treatment, sexual health initiatives, youth-focused programs, and community outreach, helping strengthen the country’s national HIV response.

"Congratulations, AHF! Your dedication speaks louder than words, and you never know who is watching, inspired by, and appreciating the difference you make. This recognition is well deserved. Keep flying the flag proudly," said Alice Neneh James, National Director of SLANGO.

AHF Sierra Leone launched its program in 2011 and now serves more than 54,000 clients.

A Call to Action at a Critical Moment in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

The following joint statement by former presidents, prime ministers, and public health leaders was published in The Brussels Times, calling for urgent action to reprioritize the global HIV/AIDS response.

Keep the Promise march at the International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C., July 2012.

As former presidents, prime ministers, and public health leaders, we are deeply concerned about the state of the global HIV/AIDS response and issue this statement as a call to urgent action. For over four decades, the world has confronted one of the greatest public health challenges in history. Today, more than 32 million people have access to lifesaving HIV treatment, made possible by political commitment, scientific progress, community leadership, strategic partnerships, and donor support.

Yet, despite this progress, the global HIV response now stands at a critical crossroads. Rising new infections, persistent gaps in treatment and viral suppression, difficulties retaining people in care, and dwindling funds risk undoing years of hard-won achievements. Retention in care is a critical link between diagnosis, treatment, and sustained viral suppression, yet it does not receive the attention it deserves. When people fall out of care, the progress gained from testing and treatment can be quickly lost.

World AIDS Day march in Manzini, Eswatini, Dec. 2013.

The human cost of inaction remains unacceptably high. In 2025, an estimated 1.2 million people acquired HIV and 570,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide. Even as the world possesses the tools to achieve AIDS control, complacency and waning commitment are hindering progress and leaving millions vulnerable to preventable illness and death. These trends should concern every head of state, head of government, policymaker, and citizen, as they demonstrate that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over.

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