The 2024 Global Health Expenditure Report released by the WHO (World Health Organization) reveals that after an initial surge in public health spending during the COVID-19 pandemic, the average government cost of health per capita dropped in 2022 across all income groups
This drop in funding is causing concern as Universal Health Coverage (UHC) still remains a key global priority.
The UHC aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, can access essential health services without worrying about financial struggles.
The financial burden healthcare can cause
Although there has been global access to healthcare, finances prevent many people from receiving the care they need.
It’s estimated that 4.5 billion people worldwide still lack access to basic health services. As well as 2 billion people experiencing finance struggles due to expensive health costs.
In a lot of low- and middle-income countries, people spend a lot of money on health care. In 20 low- and lower-middle-income countries, patients pay more than half of total health spending directly, leading to a continuous cycle of financial hardship.
Even in high-income countries, out-of-pocket payments contribute to unmet health needs and financial strain, particularly among the poorest households. Over a third of high-income countries, more than 20% of total health spending comes from individuals’ pockets. This highlights the widespread financial challenges faced by people accessing healthcare.
The need for policy action on UHC
WHO’s message on Universal Health Coverage Day reminded us that to achieve health for everyone, governments must prioritise UHC and eliminate impoverished health costs by 2030.
Some effective strategies include reducing or removing user charges for vulnerable groups, like those with low incomes or chronic conditions, and adopting legislation that protects individuals from health expenses. Public financing mechanisms are also important for covering the health needs of entire populations, making sure the provision of a comprehensive package of essential services—from health promotion to rehabilitation and palliative care.
The importance of public health funding
The COVID-19 pandemic shows the importance of public health spending.
In response to the crisis, governments rapidly mobilised funding to implement public health measures, protect populations, and save lives.
This experience demonstrated the advantages of government-funded health systems, particularly for population-based health interventions during emergencies. As countries move on from the pandemic, they face tough decisions on balancing strengthening health system resilience for future crises by meeting their populations’ ongoing health needs.
Tracking global health spending
WHO’s Health Expenditure Tracking programme, has been collecting and analysing global health expenditure data for 25 years, which is important in providing evidence to inform health policy decisions.
The programme’s Global Health Expenditure Database, which covers more than 190 countries since 2000, offers the widest data source on health spending worldwide.
Strengthening global cooperation for UHC
WHO’s Universal Health Coverage Partnership continues to advance international cooperation to support countries in reorienting their health systems toward UHC. This global initiative brings together WHO, national governments, and international partners to help countries implement concrete actions that promote health security and UHC. In December 2024, over 125 countries met in Lyon, France, to assess progress, discuss challenges, and set priorities for the next phase of the UHC Partnership from 2025–2027.
The WHO’s 2024 Global Health Expenditure Report is a reminder that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires urgent and sustained investment. Without increased government funding and improved financial protection systems, millions will continue facing unaffordable healthcare consequences.
Governments need to act to ensure everyone has access to the health services they need without having a financial burden.
