The urgent case for expanded development assistance for health

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• International Development
• Health Economics

Background:

• Low-income developing countries (LIDCs) need greater development assistance for health (DAH) to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.
• DAH expansion from 2001-2008 led to significant health improvements in LIDCs.
• DAH growth stagnated after the 2008 financial crisis, impacting global health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for increased DAH to achieve global health equity.
• To underscore the funding gap for essential global health programs.
• To emphasize the consequences of reduced DAH on combating major infectious diseases.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical DAH trends.
• Assessment of funding requirements for key global health organizations.
• Projection of funding shortfalls and their potential impact.

Main Results:

• DAH expansion between 2001 and 2008 correlated with health gains in LIDCs.
• DAH funding has not kept pace with the needs of low-income countries post-2008.
• The Global Fund faces a significant funding deficit for 2021-2023, risking progress against AIDS, TB, and Malaria.

Conclusions:

• Sustained and increased DAH is essential for achieving SDG 3 and improving health outcomes in LIDCs.
• Current donor commitments are insufficient to meet the financial needs of critical global health programs like the Global Fund.
• A substantial funding gap threatens the trajectory to end the AIDS, TB, and Malaria epidemics by 2030.