NOTE: Germany has reported only semi-aggregated data for part of the BMZ data for this release (approximately EUR4 billion), due to an internal transition of their IT systems. Granular data on recipients, sectors, and policy markers were not available for submission to the OECD at the time of publication. Therefore, any data including Germany is preliminary.

How is ODA to global health evolving?

ODA to the health sector from 2020-2024 experienced significant volatility. Total ODA peaked at US$37 billion in 2021, driven by exceptional pandemic-related assistance. The 2021 surge reflected an 8% increase from 2020, primarily due to bilateral grants for COVID-19 vaccine donations and health system assistance. However, most of the increased funding was reallocated from other development priorities rather than constituting truly additional resources.

Following the 2021 peak, global health ODA declined sharply to US$25 billion in 2023—a 36% decrease. Bilateral ODA fell from US$16 billion in 2021 to US$12 billion in 2023, while core multilateral contributions dropped from US$10 billion to US$3 billion during the same period. 2024 figures show a modest recovery to US$27 billion, though funding remains below pandemic-era levels.

Who are the top donors to global health?

The US dominated global health ODA in absolute terms, contributing US$15 billion, nearly seven times more than the UK, the second-largest donor at US$2.2 billion. While the US provided the largest absolute amount, it also prioritized global health more than other major donors, allocating 23% of its total ODA to the sector, followed by Luxembourg at 14% and the UK and Australia at 13%.

What are the key debates and topics surrounding global health?

Ensuring global commitments: Global health financing is at a critical crossroads as donor countries face budget constraints, yet the need to replenish essential global health funds remains urgent, underscoring the importance of sustained financing for mechanisms like the Global Fund and Gavi. These organizations are not only central to achieving SDG #3, but they are also crucial for global health security. With upcoming replenishment cycles for the WHO, Gavi, and the Pandemic Fund involving significant financial asks, these health funds face an uphill battle, especially amidst dwindling ODA streams.

Both donor countries and the private sector must step up their contributions to ensure life-saving vaccines and treatments reach the most vulnerable populations. Despite fiscal challenges, these high-impact investments are essential to safeguarding global health and securing a healthier future for all. The sharp decline in donor funding for global health also has the potential to drive much-needed reforms within global health institutions, as well as necessitate the creation of sustainable health systems less dependent on volatile global funding.

Climate - Health: The convergence of climate change and health system resilience emerged as a key topic at WHS 2024, underscoring the increasingly evident links between environmental sustainability and global health. With rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events threatening to overwhelm health systems, the need for climate resilience is more urgent than ever. As climate-induced health risks grow, scaling up climate finance remains a top priority for protecting the most vulnerable populations from the compounded impacts of health and environmental crises.

The power of impact investments: Bridging the gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly in low-income regions, requires innovative financing approaches, which are crucial to developing high-impact health technologies that can improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas. By mobilizing more resources toward these innovations, the health sector can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and better access to life-saving treatments.

In September 2024, the WHO, EIB, and other MDBs launched the Health Impact Investment Platform to strengthen PHC in LMICs by unlocking US$1.5 billion in loans and grants to improve PHC services, starting with health investment plans in 15 countries

Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for robust systems to detect, prevent, and respond to global health threats. Pandemic preparedness requires sustained investment in public health infrastructure, research, and workforce development.

The Pandemic Fund announced its third round of funding in December 2024.