The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious alert over the growing strain on global health systems, attributing widespread disruptions to significant funding cuts by major donor nations. This financial pullback is already resulting in critical shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and essential healthcare services—posing a serious risk to millions worldwide.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “Health systems in more than a third of countries are already experiencing disruptions similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. If we do not act now, we risk reversing decades of progress.”
According to the latest WHO data, over 70% of country offices surveyed reported reductions in Official Development Assistance (ODA) as the primary cause of these disruptions. Essential health programs—particularly those aimed at tackling infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV—are among the hardest hit. The supply chains for medications and diagnostics have collapsed in some regions, resulting in stockouts and halting crucial treatments.
The consequences of these cuts are dire. WHO predicts that without immediate intervention, malaria-endemic regions could see a resurgence of 15 million cases and over 100,000 preventable deaths this year alone. In Africa and Asia, at least nine countries report failing supply chains for TB treatments. “Our tuberculosis response is unravelling,” said Dr. Tedros. “We cannot afford to let history repeat itself.”
The impact extends beyond communicable diseases. A UN-backed report warns of “pandemic-like effects” on maternal mortality, especially in conflict zones. Despite previous progress, maternal deaths are again on the rise. The Guardian cites estimates of more than 260,000 maternal deaths globally in 2023, many of which could have been prevented with timely access to care. WHO officials stress that the closure of clinics, layoffs of healthcare workers, and loss of medicine supplies are putting pregnant women and newborns in grave danger.
The WHO itself is grappling with financial challenges. Faced with an income gap of nearly $600 million this year, the organization has proposed to slash its budget for 2026-27 by 21%, from US$5.3 billion to US$4.2 billion. This shortfall is largely due to reductions in development spending by member states, including significant cuts from the United States.
In response to the funding crisis, the WHO has announced potential job cuts and operational challenges. The organization's chief expressed concerns about the impact of these funding reductions, highlighting the urgent need to address the budget shortfall to sustain critical global health initiatives.
The WHO has made a passionate plea to world leaders: restore funding or risk collapsing health systems. Dr. Tedros urged the international community to reinvest in frontline services and healthcare workers. “Now is not the time to retreat. It’s time to recommit to health equity and protect the vulnerable,” he said.
The message is clear—funding health today safeguards the world’s future. Without a coordinated response, the consequences could be catastrophic.
For more details, visit the World Health Organization.
