US Withdrawal from WHO Threatens Africa’s Response to Health Emergencies
The United States’ decision to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is expected to severely impact Africa’s ability to respond to health emergencies, a region frequently plagued by disease outbreaks such as Ebola, cholera, and malaria.
The move, announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, has sparked concern among global health experts, who warn of dire consequences for pandemic preparedness and disease control in poorer nations that heavily depend on donor support.
The decision, part of Trump’s wider rejection of global institutions, marks the second time he has pulled the US out of WHO.
Health experts argue the withdrawal isolates the United States and weakens international collaboration on public health crises.
With nearly a fifth of WHO’s $6.8 billion budget for 2023 funded by the US, the decision is a significant blow to the organisation, which plays a crucial role in disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and health system strengthening worldwide.
Impact on Africa’s Fragile Health Systems
Africa, home to some of the world’s most underfunded health systems, relies heavily on WHO’s expertise and funding to combat recurrent outbreaks and pandemics. The region has faced multiple health crises in recent years, including the devastating Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016), the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing struggles with malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Without US funding, WHO’s ability to support disease detection, vaccination drives, and emergency responses in Africa could be severely undermined.
WHO’s work extends beyond emergencies, offering critical technical assistance to governments to strengthen health infrastructure, train personnel, and combat persistent diseases.
Many African nations, already burdened by economic hardships, depend on international aid to meet their public health needs, leaving them vulnerable to funding gaps caused by the U.S. withdrawal.
The World Health Organisation, established in 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, serves as the United Nations’ specialised agency for health.
Its mandate includes coordinating international health responses, conducting research, and promoting global health equity.
Historically, the US has been its largest contributor and an influential member, shaping policies and priorities since its inception after World War II.
Trump’s criticisms of WHO, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have centered on the agency’s perceived mismanagement and alleged bias toward China.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Trump initiated the withdrawal process, accusing WHO of failing to act swiftly to contain the virus.
However, his successor, President Joe Biden, reversed the decision in 2021, restoring US funding and engagement.
Trump, sworn in on Monday for his second term, has signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy that could reshape global governance.
His return to the White House is expected to disrupt the world order and reduce America’s involvement in multilateral organisations, further straining relations with allies and international bodies.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of coordinated global health responses, with WHO at the forefront of vaccine distribution through initiatives like COVAX.
Despite criticism, WHO’s efforts have been instrumental in addressing inequities in vaccine access, particularly in low-income regions.
Experts warn that the US withdrawal risks undoing progress in combating global health disparities.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org