World Health Assembly Adopts New Resolution to Strengthen Global Health Financing

The 78th World Health Assembly has approved a new resolution aimed at strengthening health financing systems worldwide, reaffirming the global commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through people-centred primary health care.

The decision comes at a critical time, as external aid for health is expected to decline by up to 40% in 2025.

This, coupled with rising out-of-pocket health costs and widespread disruptions to health services, has triggered what the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling a global health financing emergency—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are already under severe strain.

The newly adopted resolution urges Member States to take concrete steps to increase domestic funding for health and to improve the efficiency and transparency of public financial management systems.

The aim is to ensure more impactful and equitable health outcomes at the population level.

In light of the rapidly evolving financial landscape, the resolution also calls for a renewed and strategic role for WHO.

The organization is expected to help guide reforms in both domestic and global health financing frameworks, with a focus on promoting country self-reliance and long-term sustainability in UHC efforts.