WHO chief urges Africa to boost health sovereignty amid funding cuts

Speaking in Namibia, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on African nations to bolster their "health sovereignty" and lessen their reliance on external aid. This appeal comes amid significant global funding cuts that are impacting health initiatives across the continent.

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The WHO Director-General called on Namibia to strengthen Africa's 'health sovereignty' and 'reduce its external dependence'.

Tedros highlighted Africa's progress in health over the past 25 years, noting increases in life expectancy and reductions in maternal and child mortality. However, he cautioned that serious challenges persist, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, mental health disorders, epidemics, pandemics, the health impacts of climate change, and unequal access to health services. These issues have been exacerbated by sharp reductions in international health funding, which Tedros estimated has fallen by nearly 40% based on 2025 indicators.

"Many African leaders have understood this crisis as an opportunity to move beyond the era of dependence and realize the long-awaited dream of African health sovereignty," Tedros stated. He asserted that national budgets represent the most efficient and equitable source of health financing. To achieve this, he advocated for new revenue streams, such as taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

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In summary, the peoples of Africa are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. This is cause for celebration.

Furthermore, Tedros stressed the importance of expanding domestic and regional production of medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. He argued this is crucial not only for health security but also for job creation, innovation, and economic growth. "Ultimately, health is not a cost to be contained. It is an investment to be nurtured in people, in stability, and in the Africa we all want. A healthier, safer, and more just Africa," he declared.

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All these challenges have become more difficult due to sudden cuts in international health funding.

As an example, Tedros referenced the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where detection and response efforts have been severely hampered by funding cuts. He concluded that "an epidemic in one country is a threat to all," underscoring the need for resilient, self-sufficient systems and regional solidarity as the best form of protection.

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The most efficient and equitable source of health financing is the national budget.