WHO Warns of Global Health Crisis from Aid Cuts

April 12, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about disruptions to health services due to reductions in official development assistance (ODA) for health. The cuts threaten health systems, especially in vulnerable regions. The WHO’s findings indicate an urgent need for action and international cooperation to mitigate these effects.

Health Service Disruptions

The assessment was done in March–April 2025 across 108 WHO country offices, mainly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Over half reported moderate to severe suspensions in health ODA. Key health system functions, including emergency preparedness and public health surveillance, are notably affected. The disruptions echo the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Findings of the Report

70% of WHO country offices reported disruptions in health services due to reduced foreign aid.
Top 5 affected health areas due to aid cuts:
- Emergency preparedness and response (70%)
- Public health surveillance (66%)
- Service delivery (58%)
- Humanitarian aid (56%)
- Health workforce (54%)
Other critical services disrupted:

- Disease detection and response (outbreaks, malaria, HIV, TB, STIs)
- Family planning
- Maternal and child health

One-third of countries lack medicines and essential health products.
Job losses for health workers and training disruptions have occurred in over half of the affected countries.
Health information systems like disease reporting and surveys are disrupted in over 40% of countries.
In 24% of countries, people are now paying more out-of-pocket for healthcare, increasing the burden on the poor and vulnerable.
The current situation is similar in impact to the COVID-19 pandemic in some areas.
Positive note: The crisis is pushing countries to reduce dependency on aid and move towards self-reliant health financing.
81 out of 108 countries have requested WHO’s help in areas like: