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United States foreign aid freezes: A wake-up call for African countries to increase health financing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In January 2025, the United States of America (US) suspended all foreign aid, pending reviews to ensure alignment with American strategic interests. This decision significantly disrupted humanitarian assistance and healthcare services, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries that have been the biggest beneficiaries of US aid. The suspension has exacerbated funding gaps in critical sectors, including disease prevention, maternal health, and emergency response. As a result, African governments must urgently reassess their health financing strategies, reducedependency on external donors through increased domestic resource mobilization, innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthened public-private partnerships. These strategies are essential to safeguard African healthcare systems against future financial uncertainties and external policy shifts.

Source: Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health

DOI: 10.37432/jieph-d-25-00055

Author: Joseph Magoola

Institution: African Field Epidemiology Network

Language: English

Topic: International Development and Aid

Subfield: Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Partnerships for the goals, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410826202