WHO Warns Funding Cuts Could Severely Disrupt Health Services

Title: WHO Warns of Major Health Service Disruptions Amid Global Funding Cuts

At a press briefing held in Geneva on Thursday, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a stark warning about growing disruptions to health services worldwide due to severe financial constraints. Based on data from over 100 countries, he noted that approximately 25% have seen some healthcare facilities forced to shut down entirely as a result of budget cuts.

Widespread Disruptions in Health Systems

Dr. Tedros reported that growing reliance on out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare has significantly disrupted the availability of essential medicines and supplies. These challenges have also triggered a wave of job losses within the healthcare sector.

In response, many governments are now adjusting their health budgets, implementing cost-saving measures, and seeking stronger financial partnerships and alternative funding sources to maintain healthcare delivery.

Shifting from Aid Dependency to Sustainable Health Systems

The WHO is playing a central role in helping countries transition from reliance on foreign aid towards resilient, self-sustaining health systems. Dr. Tedros highlighted positive steps taken by countries like South Africa and Kenya, which are working to shield their populations from the fallout of abrupt and unplanned funding reductions.

“We are now supporting countries to accelerate that transition,” Dr. Tedros said, stressing the importance of long-term sustainability.

WHO’s Strategic Recommendations

To help countries manage the current funding crisis, the WHO has outlined several key recommendations:

– Prioritize vulnerable populations by limiting their exposure to direct out-of-pocket health expenses.
– Safeguard public health budgets and avoid cutting crucial services or closing health facilities.
– Channel donor funding through national health budgets to ensure coordinated spending rather than using parallel systems.
– Seek efficiency improvements within the health system to absorb financial shocks and preserve services.

Exploring New Revenue Streams

To address ongoing financial pressures, WHO is also advising countries to explore both immediate and long-term revenue options.

In the short term, Dr. Tedros suggested implementing or increasing taxes on products that negatively impact public health—such as tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Countries like Colombia and The Gambia have already adopted similar measures, resulting in both increased revenue and reduced consumption.

Over the long term, WHO backs the creation of social and community-based health insurance schemes. These models involve individuals or families making small contributions to a collective fund, which in turn strengthens domestic healthcare financing.

While acknowledging that no single solution fits all nations, Dr. Tedros emphasized that WHO is working closely with affected countries to customize strategies according to their specific needs and contexts.

For more details, visit the WHO’s official statement here.