Health Leaders Advocate for Agency Consolidation Amid Financial Crisis
Berlin, Friday, 17 October 2025.
Global health leaders at the World Health Summit in Berlin called for consolidating health agencies to combat inefficiencies and address a severe funding crisis exacerbated by significant US aid cuts.
The Fragmented Global Health Landscape
At the World Health Summit in Berlin, global health leaders raised concerns about the confusing and fragmented nature of the current global health aid landscape. This fragmentation has been highlighted by substantial funding cuts from the United States, which led to a 21% decline in global development assistance for health between 2024 and 2025, including a significant 67% drop in US financing, amounting to over $9 billion [1][2].
Economic Implications of Health Funding Cuts
The financial crisis in global health funding has dire implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. The loss of billions in aid threatens the health of tens of millions, especially children under five and the poorest communities worldwide. The United States, which previously shouldered 73% of the development assistance burden for HIV, has withdrawn critical support, exacerbating the crisis [1]. Furthermore, major funders like Germany, France, and the UK have also reduced their development assistance budgets due to competing priorities, including the war in Ukraine [1][2].
Calls for Agency Consolidation
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, emphasized the need to reduce the number of entities in the global health system to combat inefficiencies and improve resource utilization. This call for consolidation aims to address the overlap of roles among multiple organizations competing for the same funds, which results in confusion and inefficient aid use [1]. The summit underscored that a streamlined approach is essential for maximizing the impact of limited resources [1][2].
Data-Driven Strategies for Health Equity
Advocates at the summit highlighted the importance of data-driven strategies to increase health equity and care coordination. By leveraging data analytics, health initiatives can better target interventions and allocate resources efficiently. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of health programs but also ensures that funding reaches those most in need, thereby improving health outcomes across diverse populations [1][2].
Emphasizing Health System Resilience
The need for resilient health systems was another key focus of the summit. Leaders stressed that investments should not only aim to provide immediate relief but also build stronger, more sustainable health infrastructures. This involves prioritizing a fair distribution of resources and reinforcing local health systems to withstand future shocks, ensuring long-term sustainability and health security [1][3].