King's College London

King’s Global Health Partnerships (KGHP) expresses profound concern over the UK government’s decision to reduce its International Aid budget to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI). This decision follows the earlier reduction from 0.7% to 0.5% in 2021, which already significantly weakened the UK’s ability to support global health equity and sustainable development. Rather than further cutting the aid budget, the UK should be working to restore its commitment to the 0.7% target—a benchmark that reflects the UK’s historic leadership in addressing global challenges and its promise to the world’s most vulnerable populations. 

International aid is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic investment in global stability, health security, and shared prosperity. The cumulative impact of these cuts will be devastating, particularly for vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries, where access to essential health services, medicines, and trained healthcare workers remains critically limited. These reductions will also undermine the UK’s capacity to respond to global health crises, such as pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related health threats, which require sustained international cooperation. 

The timing of these cuts is especially troubling given the retreat of the United States government from their commitments to global health. Recent executive orders reinstating the Global Gag Rule, withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), and cuts to USAID funding have signalled a troubling shift away from international health partnerships. In this context, the UK must step up, not scale back, in safeguarding the health and well-being of the world’s most marginalised communities. The UK’s decision to reduce its aid budget further risks creating a vacuum in global health leadership at a time when it is needed most.

KGHP has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of UK aid in strengthening health systems, improving maternal and child health, and combating infectious diseases. These achievements are now at risk. The decision to redirect aid budgets towards defence spending represents a short-sighted approach to global security. Health is foundational to peace and prosperity and neglecting it will only exacerbate inequalities and instability worldwide. 

We urge the UK government to reverse this decision and recommit to the 0.7% target for international aid. At a time when global solidarity is more important than ever, the UK must not abandon its role as a leader in global health. KGHP stands ready to support efforts to ensure that the UK’s aid budget continues to save lives, strengthen health systems, and build a healthier, more equitable world.

Notes to Editors

For interviews and further information please contact Dr. Omar Gabriel Torres Valencia, Policy Adviser, KGHP.  Email: omar_gabriel.torres_valencia@kcl.ac.uk