Mahama calls for global health financing reset amid shrinking aid and WHO funding crisis

Africa, Health

GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental reset of global health financing and development cooperation, warning that growing cuts in humanitarian assistance and international aid signal the collapse of the old donor-dependent model.

Mahama made the remarks while addressing delegates at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

According to a statement issued by the Ghana Presidency, the Ghanaian leader said recent reductions in humanitarian assistance and Official Development Assistance (ODA) were not temporary setbacks, but clear evidence that the long-standing structure of donor dependency was no longer sustainable.

The President stressed the need for countries to build resilient and self-sustaining health systems rather than relying heavily on external support.

Mahama also urged world leaders to reframe healthcare financing as a strategic economic investment rather than a social burden.

He argued that a healthy population remains critical to sustainable economic growth, national productivity, and long-term development.

“A healthy population is central to sustainable economic growth and national development,” Mahama stated, calling on governments to prioritise healthcare spending as a core driver of progress.

The Ghanaian President further warned of a sharp decline in global humanitarian and institutional health support, which he said could have far-reaching consequences for health systems worldwide.

According to him, humanitarian assistance has dropped by approximately 40 per cent globally, while the World Health Organisation has been severely affected by the withdrawal of funding from the United States.

Mahama said the funding shortfall had forced the WHO to scale down major programmes and reduce staffing levels.

He called for renewed global solidarity and sustainable financing mechanisms to protect essential healthcare systems and preserve gains already made in global public health.