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Healthcare News | Global Healthcare
WHO Warns of Widespread Health System Disruptions Due to Cuts in Health Aid Take Effect
Time to read: 01:26
Published: 11 April 2025
Source: WHO Press Release
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about growing disruptions in health systems, based on reports from 108 WHO country offices—primarily in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
According to a rapid WHO stocktake conducted between March and April 2025, 70% of surveyed offices reported disruptions due to sudden suspensions or reductions in official development assistance (ODA) for health. These impacts are already affecting key health system functions, including emergency preparedness (70%), public health surveillance (66%), service provision (58%), and the health workforce (54%).
More than one-third of the countries surveyed are experiencing disruptions to essential services such as outbreak detection, malaria, HIV, TB, family planning, and maternal and child health. In some areas, the scale of disruption mirrors that seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One in three countries also report shortages of essential medicines and health products.
Notably, over half of the countries have experienced job losses in the health workforce and delays in training. Information systems are also heavily affected, with over 40% reporting disruptions to disease reporting and surveillance.
Up to 24% of countries are seeing increased out-of-pocket costs for patients, raising concerns that the poorest communities will bear the greatest burden.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, acknowledged the challenges but noted this could drive a transition towards greater self-reliance. WHO is working with countries to identify urgent support needs, including innovative funding, technical assistance, and sustainability planning.
WHO will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work with global partners to mitigate worsening impacts on vulnerable health systems worldwide.
This article was compiled with information obtained from the official WHO Press Release
10 April 2025 | WHO | Countries are already experiencing significant health system disruptions
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