More than 81 countries, including Kenya, have sought emergency support from the World Health Organization (WHO) following the abrupt withdrawal of US government health funding. The move has caused major disruptions in healthcare systems, especially in low-income nations that heavily rely on donors.
In Kenya, donors fund about 25% of the health budget, with the US, Global Fund, UK, and Gavi contributing nearly 90% of all external support—particularly for HIV, TB, and malaria programs. The WHO’s rapid assessment, conducted from March to April 2025, shows 70% of its country offices have reported severe service interruptions due to the funding cuts.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said the crisis has accelerated efforts toward self-reliance, but many countries still need urgent assistance in financing, technical support, and healthcare planning.
Kenya, for example, has turned to domestic resources to continue distributing HIV medication after USAID funds were suspended. However, across many countries, the financial gap has resulted in increased out-of-pocket costs for patients, especially the poor.
Services most affected include disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, humanitarian aid, maternal and child health, and healthcare workforce stability. Some countries are facing disruptions similar to those seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with shortages in medicines, staff layoffs, and failing health data systems.
WHO pledged ongoing support to help countries transition toward sustainable, resilient healthcare systems.
