WHO Urges Increased Health Investment as External Aid Drops 30% by 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about a significant decline in external health aid. Projections indicate a drop of 30% to 40% by 2025 compared to 2023. This reduction threatens the stability of health services in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Urgent Call for Increased Health Investment
The WHO has urged policymakers to prioritize health in budget allocations, even amid global crises. Recent data from a survey conducted in March 2025 across 108 LMICs reflects grave consequences resulting from funding reductions. Critical services, such as maternal care and vaccination programs, have experienced cuts of up to 70% in some regions.
Impact on Health Services
- More than 50 countries have reported job losses among health workers.
- There have been significant disruptions in health worker training programs.
- Critical services face drastic funding cuts, jeopardizing past health achievements.
According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, the sudden cuts have resulted in severe consequences. He stated, “Sudden and unplanned cuts to aid have hit many countries hard, costing lives and jeopardizing hard-won health gains.”
Global Health Funding Crisis
The WHO’s warning emerges as global health funding reaches its lowest levels in 15 years. The reduction comes at a time when various nations, including the United States and nine European countries, have decreased foreign aid commitments.
Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump made significant cuts to health aid programs shortly after taking office. European nations such as the UK and France have similarly reduced their financial support.
Strategies for Sustainable Health Financing
To combat the funding crisis, the WHO has introduced new guidance aimed at alleviating immediate and long-term issues caused by funding cuts. The guidance, titled “Responding to the health financing emergency: immediate measures and longer-term shifts,” offers policy options to help nations manage unexpected financial challenges.
Ultimately, the WHO encourages countries to shift from relying solely on external aid towards developing sustainable health financing strategies that leverage domestic resources.
