WHO Calls for Action on Global Health Financing Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) on November 3 released new guidance for countries to address the immediate and long-term effects of sudden and severe cuts to external funding, which are disrupting essential health services in many nations.

The guidance, titled “Responding to the health financing emergency: immediate measures and longer-term shifts”, outlines policy options for countries to manage sudden financing shocks and strengthen efforts to mobilize and sustain funding for national health systems.

External health aid is expected to fall by 30 to 40 percent in 2025 compared with 2023, causing immediate and severe disruption to health services in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to WHO survey data from 108 LMICs collected in March 2025, funding cuts have reduced critical services including maternal care, vaccination, health emergency preparedness and response and disease surveillance by up to 70 percent in some countries.

The World Health Body says, more than 50 countries have also reported job losses among health and care workers along with major disruptions to health worker training programs.