Debt Trap Threatens Commonwealth Prosperity, AHF Warns

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has urged the United Kingdom to take the lead in addressing the sovereign debt crisis confronting Commonwealth nations ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for November in Antigua and Barbuda.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, AHF said the UK’s role is critical as it prepares to assume the G20 Presidency in 2027, stressing that many Commonwealth countries remain burdened by unsustainable debt despite this year’s CHOGM focus on prosperity through partnerships and investment.
The organisation said one in three Commonwealth countries is already in debt distress, while 3.4 billion people globally live in countries that spend more on debt servicing than on health and education combined. It added that 21 Commonwealth nations allocate at least 14 percent of government revenue to debt repayments.
AHF President Michael Weinstein described the current global debt architecture as unfair and rooted in colonial-era financial systems.
He called on the UK to spearhead reforms that would shield borrowing nations from predatory private creditors, including legislation to curb exploitative lending practices and prevent creditors from undermining international debt relief efforts.
The foundation also criticised the UK government’s recent cuts to aid funding for several African countries, including Malawi and Mozambique, warning that the reductions could further strain fragile health and social protection systems.
AHF Executive Vice President, Dr. Penninah Iutung, said the debt crisis has grown beyond an economic issue into a serious development and security challenge.
She urged countries in the Global South to unite in demanding systemic debt reforms inspired by the principles of anti-colonial and independence movements.
The appeal builds on AHF’s Freedom from Debt campaign launched in June, which advocates stronger collective bargaining by developing countries, automatic interest-free debt pauses during health and climate emergencies, and a one percent global AI Solidarity Levy to fund debt relief and essential public services.
AHF maintained that comprehensive debt reform is vital to enable developing countries to invest sustainably in healthcare, education, and long-term economic growth.