WHO Issues Guidance to Combat Global Health Financing Cuts
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new recommendations to help countries address both the immediate and long-term impacts of sharp reductions in external health funding. These funding cuts are significantly disrupting essential health service delivery across many nations.
New Policy Options for Health Financing Emergencies
The guidance, titled Responding to the health financing emergency: immediate measures and longer-term shifts, offers a range of policy options designed to help countries manage sudden financial shocks. It also aims to support efforts in securing sustainable and sufficient financing for national health systems.
Severe Funding Declines and Impact on Health Services
External health aid is expected to drop by 30% to 40% in 2025 compared to 2023, severely affecting health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). According to a WHO survey of 108 LMICs conducted in March 2025, funding cuts have led to substantial reductions—up to 70% in some places—in critical health services such as:
- Maternal care
- Vaccination programs
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Disease surveillance
Furthermore, over 50 countries have observed job losses among health and care workers and significant disruptions to training programs for health personnel.
“Sudden and unplanned cuts to aid have hit many countries hard, costing lives and jeopardizing hard-won health gains,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Author’s Summary
WHO warns that drastic cuts in global health funding threaten vital services in developing countries and offers strategic guidance to mitigate these setbacks.