Mallorca MEP urges health crisis plans after 21% aid cut

A 21% drop in development aid for health has put fresh pressure on plans to prepare for the next health crisis. In Palma on Thursday, MEP Rosa Estaràs said countries must strengthen their health systems before an emergency strikes, rather than scrambling to react afterwards.

Estaràs told a European Parliament debate that global health must remain a strategic priority for the European Union. She pointed to geopolitical instability, international crises and cuts to global public-health funding. Development aid for health fell by 21% between 2024 and 2025, she said.

She called for cooperation with partner countries to build their own capacity and cut dependence on outside help. Health systems should be accessible to women, children and people with disabilities, she added, while reliable information is needed to counter health misinformation.

Estaràs also pressed the European Commission on action against misinformation, more effective vaccination campaigns in partner countries and enough money in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Commission adopted its Global Health Resilience Initiative in May 2026 to improve the European Union's response to health threats and crises and strengthen cooperation with partner countries.

Topics: Social affairs · Health · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com