Africa urged to put more weight on health financing amid donor cuts
Africa
By
Mercy Kahenda
| Apr 28, 2026
President William Ruto addresses the World Health Summit regional meeting 2026, Nairobi. [PCS]
Kenya and other African countries have been urged to find sustainable, home-grown solutions to finance their health systems as donor funding continues to shrink, exposing deep vulnerabilities across the continent.
The remarks by experts come in the wake of declining global health funding, compounded by policy shifts such as the “stop work” orders previously issued by the administration of US President Donald Trump, which disrupted key health programmes across Africa.
Speaking at the launch of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, health stakeholders warned that over-reliance on external support has left Africa struggling to respond effectively to pandemics and maintain essential health services.
Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Ms Zainab Bangura, President Ruto, and Health CS Aden Duale during the official opening of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi. [PCS] APA Apollo Group reports 14 per cent growth in insurance revenue 'Joint venture in reverse': foreign carmakers seek edge with China partners Why Equity Bank has been named overall best bank Changes in carbon market rules threaten Kenya's Sh80b revenue Fintech leaders, regulators meet as stablecoins gain ground Private developers eye deeper presence in Coast region CS Kabogo: Digital economy now established, focus shifts to governance and accountability How Ruto's aggression over fuel prices with EAC neighbours strains tiesREAD MORE
World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, said investment in health should be viewed as a critical driver of economic growth rather than a cost.
“Health is insurance for the continent’s prosperity. We must make our systems work and finance them sustainably instead of relying on donors," said Prof Janabi.
Janabi noted that the continent has endured repeated public health emergencies and pandemics, for example, Covid-19, mpox, Ebola, and marburg, outbreaks that have placed immense strain on already fragile health systems.
“Pandemic preparedness begins with strong primary healthcare and is inseparable from sustainable financing,” he said.
The official also raised concern over Africa’s continued dependence on imported medical commodities, noting that the lack of local manufacturing delays emergency response during outbreaks.
“We need strategic partnerships that align financing with impact, but also invest in local manufacturing. Health is a moral responsibility,” said Janabi.
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) director general Jean Kaseya echoed the concerns, warning that the continent cannot claim sovereignty while basic health outcomes remain poor.
“We cannot talk about sovereignty when mothers are still dying from preventable complications,” said Kaseya while calling for stronger investment in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Dr Kaseya pointed out that although Africa has made progress in manufacturing some health commodities, many countries still fail to procure products produced locally.
External sourcing, according to the official, affects efficiency, turnaround time and increases the cost of diagnostics and treatment.
“No one is stopping us from buying our own products. It is our mindset that must change,” said Kaseya.
Even as the continent talks big on domestic health financing, the official further warned that millions of Africans continue to pay for healthcare out-of-pocket, exposing households to financial hardship.
“More than half of our population is still paying out-of-pocket. This is unacceptable when we know what needs to be done,” he said.
He noted that inefficiencies within health systems continue to drain limited resources.
The summit was officially opened yesterday at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Nairobi.
The summit, which has brought together about 2,000 delegates and 78 countries, is focused on reimagining Africa’s health systems through innovation, integration and stronger partnerships.
It was officially opened by President William Ruto, who said Africa must reposition itself from being a passive participant to an active architect of global health systems.
“Africa is not just a participant in global health. We must be an architect of its future,” said Dr Ruto.
Ruto noted that despite carrying over 25 per cent of the global disease burden, Africa accounts for less than three per cent of global health expenditure, a disparity he termed unsustainable.