Heavily indebted African countries are cutting spending on health programmes to service their massive loan portfolios, signalling a shift in spending priorities. This is largely because these governments are increasingly weighed down by fears of potential default amid shrinking fiscal space.
Reducing expenditure on health programmes is a troubling policy shift, however, as it risks undermining the growth prospects of these nations. A healthier, more productive, and prosperous population fosters economic growth by building human capital and creating jobs.
