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Strengthening health access in Africa amidst US aid cuts

Thursday 06 March 2025 - 13:50

By: Dakir Madiha

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A recent report by the Center for Global Development (CGD) highlights the challenges faced by African nations in the wake of significant cuts to American health aid. With the Trump administration's drastic reductions in international support, many low-income countries are at risk of severe funding shortfalls for essential health services. However, the report also points to viable alternatives for mitigating these impacts in the short and medium term.

The report, titled "26 Countries Are Most Vulnerable to US Global Health Aid Cuts. Can Other Funders Bridge the Gap?", underscores that the United States has long been a principal funder of global health programs, contributing approximately 12.4billionannually.Ofthisamount,12.4 billion annually. Of this amount, 12.4billionannually.Ofthisamount,8.5 billion is allocated bilaterally, with $4 billion directed to specialized multilateral agencies. The anticipated decline in humanitarian aid and development funding could have profound consequences for various health initiatives that have relied on American support, ranging from antiretroviral therapy for HIV patients to emergency care for mothers and newborns.

Identifying 26 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) particularly susceptible to these cuts, the report notes that these nations receive U.S. aid accounting for 10% or more of their government health expenditures. Among these, 21 are situated in Africa, including Somalia, where U.S. bilateral aid represents a staggering 237% of government health spending. Other countries highlighted include South Sudan, Malawi, Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique, and Tanzania, all of which face significant budgetary constraints, limiting their ability to adapt to funding reductions.

The abrupt nature of these cuts has left African decision-makers scrambling for solutions to maintain health progress. Yet, opportunities exist to fill the funding gap left by the U.S. withdrawal. In the short term, bilateral donors and multilateral banks can increase their contributions to support health budgets in the most affected countries. During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-U.S. donors had already increased their support by over $10 billion.

Moreover, alternative funding sources are available. Non-traditional donors, such as China, may be incentivized to step in, particularly given their concerns over debt repayment risks in low-income countries. Philanthropic organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy, are also positioned to swiftly respond to immediate funding needs, often more effectively than bilateral donors.

The report emphasizes that the most sustainable approach lies in diversifying domestic resource mobilization. Experts like Francisca Mutapi from the University of Edinburgh advocate for national funding initiatives, citing Zimbabwe's successful 3% tax on HIV/AIDS that finances prevention and treatment programs. Similarly, Nigeria has prioritized national health budget allocation, committing to employ health workers previously funded by USAID.

Catherine Kyobutungi, executive director of the African Population and Health Research Center, views the abrupt aid cuts as a wake-up call for African nations to reduce their reliance on a flawed development assistance system, often used as a geopolitical tool.

In conclusion, while American aid cuts pose significant challenges to health systems in Africa, the potential for alternative funding exists. By fostering regional integration and enhancing public-private partnerships, African nations can work toward reducing dependency on external assistance and ensure sustained health progress.