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The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called on the United Kingdom to take decisive action in tackling the sovereign debt crisis facing Commonwealth nations, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda this November.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, AHF said the UK’s leadership is crucial as it prepares to assume the G20 Presidency in 2027, noting that many Commonwealth countries remain trapped in unsustainable debt despite the summit’s theme of promoting prosperity through partnerships and investment.
According to the organisation, one in three Commonwealth countries is already in debt distress, while 3.4 billion people worldwide live in nations that spend more on debt servicing than on health and education combined.
It added that 21 Commonwealth countries devote at least 14 per cent of government revenue to debt repayments.
AHF President Michael Weinstein described the global debt system as inequitable and rooted in colonial-era financial structures, urging the UK to champion reforms that protect borrowing nations from predatory private creditors.
He called for legislation to curb exploitative lending practices and prevent creditors from frustrating international debt relief efforts.
AHF also criticised the UK government’s recent decision to reduce aid funding to some African countries, including Malawi and Mozambique, warning that the cuts would further weaken already strained public health and social protection systems.
Executive Vice President of AHF, Dr Penninah Iutung, said the debt crisis has evolved beyond a financial challenge into a major development and security threat.
She urged Global South countries to unite in pushing for systemic debt reform, drawing inspiration from the ideals of anti-colonial and independence movements.
The appeal follows the launch of AHF’s Freedom from Debt campaign in June, which advocates stronger collective bargaining by developing countries, automatic interest-free debt pauses during health and climate emergencies, and the creation of a one per cent global AI Solidarity Levy to finance debt relief and essential public services.
AHF said meaningful reform is essential to give developing nations a fair opportunity to invest in health, education and sustainable economic growth.
