Over the past three decades, the world has made significant progress in improving population health, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Reductions in infant mortality and the disease burden among young children reflect both socioeconomic development and advances in health interventions. While domestic investments have played the leading role in financing these improvements, Development Assistance for Health (DAH) has provided critical support—especially in low-income countries—to implement and sustain essential health programs and systems. However, as domestic health financing grows and donor priorities evolve, the role and relevance of DAH are undergoing important shifts.
This report by the Center for Healthy Development (CHD) presents a comprehensive assessment of DAH over the past 25 years. It examines DAH’s contributions, challenges, and future trajectories through a series of data analyses, literature reviews, and case studies. The report invites policymakers, practitioners, and partners to reflect on what DAH has achieved, what remains to be done, and how the global health community can better align future assistance with country priorities, especially during a time of fiscal uncertainty and changing geopolitical landscapes.