Global health is at a crossroads. In 2025, as major donors, including the United States, reduce funding to multilateral institutions such as the World Health Organization, the system faces real risks.
Programs that protect millions — from vaccination campaigns to epidemic response — can falter if the global framework loses momentum. Yet, some countries are stepping up, showing that leadership in global health isn’t just the responsibility of the wealthiest nations.
China, Angola, Ethiopia, and Pakistan demonstrate how countries can take concrete action to sustain and strengthen global health initiatives, even when resources are constrained. Their efforts show that action, strategy, and coordination are as important as funding itself.
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About the author
Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan
Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan is a global Singaporean and development economist. She has served at the United Nations, World Economic Forum, government of Singapore, EY-Parthenon, Asian Development Bank, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Sharmishta is also a youth leader and board member of Caring for Cambodia. She writes on development, social investment, and global health, with past bylines in Forbes, WEF Agenda, GlobalCitizen.org, and other international platforms.
