Education is still under-funded compared to health but change is coming
For years, multilateral donors have mobilized billions of dollars to tackle infectious diseases and vaccination while international support for education lagged. Unlike healthcare, investment in education is often considered less attractive and less able to deliver visible short-term returns.
However, change is on the way. Earlier this year, donor countries pledged US$2.3 billion at the GPE Financing Conference. There is also growing support for schooling refugee children through Education Cannot Wait. Education is key to inclusive growth, employment and health, but governments and aid donors need to increase their commitment and the share of funding that goes to the poorest.