In the wake of unprecedented cuts in foreign assistance, supporting local civil society to advocate for greater country ownership and investment in public health is more critical than ever.
With U.S. foreign assistance in disarray and the U.K. and Dutch governments pulling back on their global development commitments, decades of progress in combating life-threatening diseases and strengthening health systems is now at risk. Countries that have relied on aid will face growing pressure to finance their own health systems — accelerating a shift toward local ownership that has been underway for years. The question is: Who will lead this transition and ensure it succeeds?
International donors have long played a crucial role in supporting global public health. Between 2000 and 2019, external aid accounted for roughly 30% of low-income countries’ health budgets, with the remainder coming from domestic budgets and out-of-pocket spending. This funding not only supports countries’ health systems but also contributes to international stability and stops health threats before they cross borders.
About the authors
Aaron Emmel
Aaron Emmel is the director of strategic partnerships at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, which together with its parent organization the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, works with civil society organizations across public health issues and political systems to advance policies that save lives.
Lucy Martinez Sullivan
Lucy Martinez Sullivan is the executive vice president at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, which together with its parent organization, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, works with civil society organizations across public health issues and political systems to advance policies that save lives.
