Global Health System Tested by Declining Aid and Epidemics

Global health systems are facing severe challenges due to declining foreign aid, escalating conflicts, and epidemics. The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and global development aid expected to drop to approximately $39 billion in 2025 increase the importance of international cooperation.

Decline in Aid and the Impacts of the Ebola Outbreak

Total global development assistance for health is expected to drop to approximately $39 billion in 2025, reaching its lowest level in the last 15 years. While this figure is projected to fall to $36 billion by 2030, experts warn that these cuts in foreign aid could disrupt disease prevention and surveillance programs in low- and middle-income countries.

The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Africa has led to more than 9,200 total cases. The epidemic, continuing under the shadow of conflicts and displacements, keeps public health services under pressure. The G20 group and donors have provided more than $470 million in emergency funding to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Long-Term Investment and Local Production Goals

The international community is expected to shift its focus from short-term aid to long-term investment. The African Union aims for the continent to self-sufficiently meet 60% of its vaccine needs by 2040. Additionally, the construction of a fully integrated multi-vaccine manufacturing facility is being supported in South Africa.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that Africa received approximately $74 billion in official development assistance in 2023, but lost about $90 billion due to illicit financial flows. In more than half of the countries, the cost of external debt interest payments exceeds the health budget.