Health Advocates Call for Greater Political Commitment Amid Healthcare Funding Challenges

27 May 2026, 8:05 pm

Health advocates have called for stronger political will and increased prioritization of healthcare services to ensure vulnerable communities continue accessing essential treatment despite growing funding constraints.

Speaking during a discussion on healthcare access and financing, Buki Williams of Akina Mamawa Africa said many communities are increasingly struggling to access health services as support for healthcare programs continues to decline.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to health services,” Williams said. “But we are seeing a lot of funding cuts, and communities are getting less support to continue accessing healthcare.

We want to make sure they are not forgotten in the conversations that are happening.

”Williams emphasized the importance of keeping healthcare access at the center of national and global discussions, warning that reduced financing risks leaving vulnerable populations without adequate medical support.

He also highlighted the need for practical interventions at health facility level, saying one effective strategy has been engaging healthcare facilities directly through monitoring committees to identify service delivery gaps.

One of the things I realized that has worked previously is having conversations with the health facilities, Buky said.

A lot of them have joined monitoring committees, and the money allocated can actually be identified and put to purpose to address the gaps.

According to Buky, healthcare facilities face different challenges, including shortages in trained health workers, which can be addressed through targeted support and partnerships with organizations willing to help strengthen capacity.

If what is needed is training health workers, that is possible. Arrangements and support can always be made to ensure health workers improve,Buky explained.

The advocates stressed that while limited funding remains a challenge, prioritization by leaders and policymakers is equally important in determining how available resources are distributed.

We need to see the political will because money follows political will,” Buky noted. “If these issues are not prioritized, the money is not going to go there.”

Health sector stakeholders continue to call for sustained investment in healthcare systems, particularly in community support programs, health worker training and access to essential services, to prevent vulnerable populations from being left behind.