The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines titled Responding to the Health Financing Emergency to help countries like Kenya cope with sudden funding shocks following cuts in health aid by the administration of United States President Donald Trump.

• The WHO urges countries to prioritize health in national budgets, viewing health spending as an investment rather than a cost to be contained.
• President Trump initiated a near-total freeze on foreign aid in January of this year, impacting the health sector to align with the 'America First' strategy.
• In Kenya, the aid cuts led to shortages of critical medicines, including antiretrovirals and malaria medicines, and halted vaccine programs and health surveys.
• The WHO commended Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria for allocating additional budget funds to health in response to the U.S. aid reduction.