The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidance to help countries respond to the severe global health financing cuts that threaten the delivery of essential health services worldwide.
Titled “Responding to the Health Financing Emergency: Immediate Measures and Longer-Term Shifts,” the document outlines policy options for governments to mitigate the impact of sudden reductions in external aid and to build sustainable, resilient national health systems.
According to WHO data, external health aid is projected to decline by 30–40% in 2025 compared with 2023 levels, causing major disruptions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A March 2025 survey across 108 LMICs revealed that critical services — including maternal and child care, vaccination, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness — have been reduced by up to 70% in some regions. Over 50 countries have also reported job losses and interruptions in health worker training programmes.
These developments compound long-standing financial pressures such as rising debt, inflation, economic instability, and heavy dependence on foreign aid.
WHO urged governments to prioritize health in national budgets even during crises, emphasizing that health spending is an investment in “social stability, human dignity, and economic resilience.”
The guidance recommends countries to:
Prioritize essential services for the poorest populations.
Protect health budgets and maintain core services.
Enhance efficiency through strategic procurement and reduced administrative costs.
Integrate donor-funded programmes into primary healthcare delivery.
Use health technology assessments to ensure cost-effective service delivery.
Several countries have taken proactive steps to reinforce their health systems:
Nigeria increased its health budget by US$ 200 million to compensate for aid shortfalls, boosting funds for immunization and epidemic response.
Ghana removed a cap on excise tax allocations to its national health insurance agency, resulting in a 60% budget increase, and launched “The Accra Reset” initiative to reform global health governance.
Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are seeking or have approved additional health budget allocations.
Uganda has introduced policies to integrate health services and improve long-term efficiency.
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to support countries in strengthening universal health coverage (UHC) and building strong primary healthcare systems capable of delivering essential services to all.