Newsletter November 2024

Dutch government drastically cuts funding for civil society

Last week, the Dutch minister of Foreign Trade & Development Aid, Reinette Klever, presented plans to cut more than 70% of funding for civil society organizations in the Netherlands and low- and middle-income countries. This will drastically impact the crucial work of these organizations, which includes improving healthcare, combating poverty, and implementing essential climate measures. Yesterday, MPs raised critical questions to the minister in a debate on the issue. We continue to urge the House of Representatives to oppose this decision. Read our response to the budget cuts ➔

New report: the cost of IMF austerity measures in Zambia

Austerity measures in Zambia, imposed under the IMF loan programme, have exacerbated economic inequalities and worsened access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups. Our new report, ‘The cost of austerity: The toll of IMF conditionalities on access to health in Zambia’, conducted with country partners, explains how these measures triggered inflation and impacted the population’s health and well-being. It has policy recommendations to ensure economic stability does not compromise social protection and health. Read the report ➔

Afrikadag: calling for tax justice and decolonizing LGBTQ+ work

We were honoured to organize two sessions at Afrikadag 2024, the largest event in the Netherlands dedicated to international cooperation with Africa. During the first session 'Tax Wars', co-host Barbara Fienieg (Wemos) stressed the urgency of addressing tax avoidance, so countries can ensure access to healthcare. In the second session 'Decolonizing LGBTQ+ Work in the NGO Sector', co-organized with our Make Way partners, we discussed ways to redistribute power to make room for African voices in LGBTQ+ advocacy across Africa. Read more ➔

Pandemic agreement negotiations reveal key divides and finance gap

The 12th round of negotiations on a pandemic agreement (INB12), from 4–15 November in Geneva, revealed divides between WHO member states and a lack of attention for the need for equitable finance. Hence, progress is slow, and negotiations will continue until the World Health Assembly in May 2025. With an essay in the Geneva Health Files and a live statement at the negotiations, we have contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the need for sustainable, fair financing. Read our conclusion ➔

Communication awards: two special mentions for Wemos

Wemos is proud to have received two special mentions at the Humanitarian Communication Awards 2024. One together with our partners in the Make Way programme for a video and toolkit on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and one for our campaign video on Monopoly, the Medicine Edition, in which we call for fair medicine prices. These special mentions fall under the ‘High-flyer’ category for best campaigns of Dutch international cooperation organizations. Read more ➔

COP29: we need investments for climate-resilient healthcare

The COP29, on climate change, is taking place in Azerbaijan from 11-22 November. A report by Global Climate and Health Alliance, endorsed by Wemos and 60+ organizations, underscores the critical links between climate change and health, highlighting how rising temperatures, extreme weather, and disease outbreaks are straining health systems worldwide. The report calls for urgent investments in climate-resilient healthcare to protect lives and ensure equitable access to care in the face of growing climate impacts. Read more ➔

Wemos tips & picks

'Tax Wars' is a powerful documentary exposing the global impact of corporate tax avoidance on human rights and health. The film follows experts pushing for an international tax system that could benefit people worldwide, particularly those who need public healthcare the most. Director Hege Dehli, who was a panellist in our session on this topic at the Afrikadag, said: "My aim is to make people aware and engaged. We've not been serious enough about the consequences of tax avoidance by multinationals." You can watch the film here.