Low-income countries spend just $17 per capita annually on health – WB
Summary
Despite growing needs, spending has stagnated in real terms since 2018, with the priority for health falling in many countries, the World Bank said.
A new World Bank report reveals that investments remain insufficient in developing countries to fund essential health services, which are critical for saving lives, creating jobs, and driving growth.
The report, “At a Crossroads: Prospects for Government Health Financing Amidst Declining Aid”, finds that in 2024, combined government and donor spending on health averaged just $17 per capita in low-income countries – less than one-third of the $60 estimated minimum needed to deliver a basic package of essential services. In lower-middle-income countries, that figure was $47, barely half the benchmark of $90.
Despite growing needs, spending has stagnated in real terms since 2018, with the priority for health falling in many countries, the World Bank said, noting that the implications are stark for health, job creation, and growth.
The report outlines three priorities for action, namely more efficient use of resources, an increase in the share of public spending on health, and expansion of fiscal space through broader macro-fiscal reforms.
“Continued collaboration will be essential among governments, partners, and donors to ensure health financing strategies are responsive to current realities, while remaining anchored in long-term ambitions,” the World Bank said. “The upcoming Universal Health Coverage (UHC) High-level Forum on December 6 in Tokyo will be a pivotal moment to accelerate global progress toward health for all.”
Hosted by the Government of Japan and co-convened by the World Bank Group and the World Health Organisation, the forum will bring together global leaders to assess progress and commit to stronger, more equitable health systems.
Related
-
Dangote-led health coalition appoints new CEO
ABCHealth is focused on improving health outcomes in Africa.
-
NCDC declares new outbreak of Lassa fever
NCDC said as at 13 January, 2019, a total of 60 confirmed cases had been reported in eight states.
-
Bloomberg donates $25 million to eradicate polio
Private donors, like Bloomberg, are at the forefront of closing the $1.3 billion funding gap for polio eradication.
Sustainable Development Section Sponsor
-
Access Bank Plc ...Financing the future
Most Popular
- Process Vision launches initiative to recognise workplace ‘unsung heroes’
- World Bank backs petrochemical growth over decarbonisation
- UNESCO warns AI chatbots can spread climate misinformation
- Nigeria ranks among Commonwealth’s Top 15 for youth AI readiness
- Nigeria seeks bigger budget allocations for NTD elimination in 2027
- Africa’s cities key to jobs for 15 million young workforce entrants annually – WB
