Alarm as WHO faces $95m funding gap in Pakistan’s health sector

Islamabad:The World Health Organisation has sounded the alarm on Pakistan’s health crisis, emphasising that a $95 million funding shortfall threatens critical healthcare programmes.

The UN agency, dedicated to safeguarding global public health, warned that without urgent action to address the funding crisis, millions of lives in Pakistan would be at risk, as the country's fragile health infrastructure struggled to meet growing demands.

In a report, the WHO said that with a budget of $385 million, it would need an additional $95 million of predictable and thematic funding to be able to continue to implement its remaining plan for the 2024–25 biennium, including $75 million to protect all, $19 million to reach every mother and child, and $1 million to continue effectively leading the health sector coordination for maximum impact.

It warned that if the funding gap wasn't addressed, the number of people lacking essential health services would rise from 87 million to 114 million.

Also, an estimated 29 mothers will die daily due to preventable pregnancy complications, while more than 500,000 infants under one year will miss vital vaccinations, increasing their vulnerability to deadly diseases. One in every three women, girls and children will suffer from gender-based violence and gender-related health inequalities.

There is a likelihood of 657 new-borns dying each day due to inadequate maternal and neonatal care and over 50 children losing life daily before their fifth birthday. A shortage of 700,000 nurses by 2030 will further weaken service delivery. Polio immunity gaps will expand, threatening the lives of 45 million children under five and posing a global health risk. Over one million people will die from non-communicable diseases by the end of 2025.

Having secured around $300 million in predictable funding for the 2024–2025 biennium with strong partner support, the UN agency urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to address the funding issue amid workforce shortages, population growth and climate change issues.

WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng reinforced the urgency of the situation.

"The cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of taking action," he emphasised, promising Pakistan the provision of high-quality technical and operational support aimed at achieving health for all.

The WHO is already troubled by the new US administration's decision to suspend its funding, warning that the cuts could endanger global health efforts. It urged Washington to reassess its funding position, at least until alternative solutions are secured to uphold essential health services.