Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 3, 2025 Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new recommendations for countries facing a sharp and widespread reduction in external financial aid for health. This reduction is already disrupting vital health services in dozens of countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
International aid to support health is projected to decline by 30–40 percent in 2025 compared to 2023. The impact is already palpable: according to a WHO survey conducted in March 2025 in 108 countries, in some regions, health services—from vaccinations and obstetrics to emergency response—have declined by 70 percent. More than 50 countries reported massive layoffs of health personnel and disruptions to specialist training.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the situation critical, emphasizing that sudden and unprepared aid cuts have already cost many countries lives and jeopardized the achievements of recent years. He also noted that the crisis could be transformed into an opportunity to transition from dependence to sustainable development using domestic resources.
Political and budgetary priority
A new WHO document, "Responding to the Health Financing Emergency: Immediate Actions and Long-Term Changes," offers countries concrete steps to help them cope with financial shocks and build resilient health systems. WHO calls on governments to view health spending not as an expense, but as an investment in stability, dignity, and economic sustainability. Even in times of crisis, health care must remain a political and budgetary priority.
Recommendations include protecting healthcare budgets and key services, especially those vital for the most vulnerable populations. WHO also recommends increasing the efficiency of spending, for example, through smart purchasing, reducing administrative costs, and integrating externally funded programs into the overall primary health care system. Furthermore, the organization recommends using modern technologies and analytical tools to select the most effective healthcare services and medications.
Concrete steps
Some countries have already taken action. Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have increased or plan to increase their health budgets. Nigeria added $200 million to its health budget, allocating funds to vaccinations, epidemic control, and priority programs. Ghana lifted restrictions on the excise tax allocated to the National Health Insurance Fund, resulting in a 60 percent budget increase. Uganda has developed a strategy for integrating health programs to improve efficiency and maintain access to services.
The new WHO recommendations are based on the principles of universal health coverage and a strong primary health care system. They are also consistent with World Health Assembly decisions, including resolutions on global strengthening of financing and the health economy for all.
In December 2025, WHO, together with the Government of Japan and the World Bank, will launch a new UHC Knowledge Hub to help countries share experiences, obtain technical support, and address financial challenges.
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