WHO Releases Guidance to Tackle Significant Global Health Funding Reductions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance aimed at addressing the pressing issue of significant funding cuts for health services globally. This guidance is particularly targeted at countries facing immediate and long-term effects from a substantial reduction in external funding.
WHO’s Guidance on Health Financing Reductions
Titled “Responding to the health financing emergency: immediate measures and longer-term shifts,” this guidance offers a comprehensive set of policy options. It aims to help nations cope with sudden financing shocks and encourages sustainable financing for health systems.
Projected Decrease in Health Aid
External health aid is predicted to decline by 30% to 40% by 2025, compared to 2023 levels. This drop is expected to severely impact health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A WHO survey, conducted in March 2025 across 108 LMICs, revealed that funding cuts have led to a reduction of critical services by up to 70% in some regions. The affected services include:
- Maternal care
- Vaccination programs
- Health emergency preparedness and response
- Disease surveillance
Furthermore, over 50 countries have reported job losses among health workers and significant interruptions in health worker training programs.
Urgent Need for Action
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that unplanned funding cuts have jeopardized health gains and human lives. He noted that these challenges could push countries towards self-reliance based on domestic resources.
To combat the immediate financial impact, the WHO encourages countries to prioritize health in government budgets, viewing it as an investment rather than a cost. The guidance suggests key recommendations, including:
- Prioritizing services for the poorest populations
- Protecting essential health services and budgets
- Enhancing efficiency through improved procurement and strategic purchasing
- Integrating disease-specific services into primary healthcare models
- Utilizing health technology assessments to maximize health impact
National Responses to Health Financing Challenges
Some countries have already acted decisively to strengthen their health systems:
- Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa: Allocated additional budget funds to health services.
- Nigeria: Increased its health budget by US$200 million, focusing on immunization and epidemic response.
- Ghana: Lifted the cap on excise tax for its national health insurance, resulting in a 60% budget increase.
- Uganda: Developed a policy agenda to enhance the integration of health services.
The WHO’s guidance aims to support nations in building robust health systems committed to universal health coverage. This initiative aligns with key World Health Assembly mandates concerning global health financing.
Future Support and Collaboration
WHO and its partners are dedicated to providing technical assistance and fostering peer learning to help countries navigate these health financing challenges. A new UHC Knowledge Hub, in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the World Bank, is set to launch in December 2025 to aid this transition.
