We have entered a perilous time for international solidarity and global health, precipitated by significant cuts in foreign aid by the U.S. government earlier this year, and a widespread reduction in official development assistance, or ODA, from multiple donor governments.
Global health institutions, or GHI, face an existential crisis: The U.S., which contributed nearly one fifth of the World Health Organization’s budget, has withdrawn from the organization; it has said this week that it will no longer contribute to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and the future of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, is in doubt after many of its projects were suspended.
Given that the U.S. contribution to global health assistance represents 42% of the total from major donor governments, these recent cuts exposed the risks of a system heavily dependent upon a single donor, and sovereign nation.
About the authors
Samy Ahmar
Samy Ahmar is head of global health at Save the Children. He and his team work with governments, multilateral organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector to design and evaluate impactful and sustainable health programs, carry out rigorous research, and use findings to advocate for equitable access to health services and health rights. He has dedicated the last 10 years to shifting both discourse and policy on major global health issues that affect children, including childhood pneumonia and diarrhea, improved care for premature and low birth-weight babies, immunization, community health systems, and the global health architecture.
Willy Bergogné
Willy Bergogné is the director of Save the Children Europe. Willy brings over two decades of leadership in the humanitarian and development sectors. With a robust background managing large and complex operations across various countries, Willy is committed to driving positive change and enhancing children’s lives through strategic partnerships and impactful influence efforts.
