Story by Salim, 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its call for the United States to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the U.N. health agency, warning of dire global health consequences. The withdrawal, formalized by U.S. President Donald Trump through an executive order on January 20, 2025, is set to have significant implications for Africa’s health sector.Read More

A Funding Crisis for Africa’s Health Programs

The U.S. has historically been one of WHO’s largest contributors, providing approximately $988 million in 2024, or 14% of the agency’s $6.9 billion budget. A large portion of this funding directly supports global health programs, particularly in Africa. According to WHO data, 60% of its tuberculosis (TB) programs in Africa rely on U.S. funding, raising concerns about the continuity of treatment and prevention efforts across the continent.

Additionally, the WHO’s polio-eradication and HIV programs—both crucial to Africa’s public health infrastructure—face major setbacks. Countries that depend on WHO-supported health initiatives may struggle to maintain progress in fighting infectious diseases, leading to potential spikes in mortality and disease resurgence.

Impact on Emergency Responses and Disease Control

The WHO plays a key role in responding to health emergencies in Africa, including outbreaks of Ebola, malaria, and cholera. With U.S. funding providing the backbone of many emergency operations, experts fear that the agency’s ability to respond effectively will be significantly weakened. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, for example, may see a reduction in WHO-coordinated medical aid, potentially exacerbating already dire health conditions.

Moreover, WHO’s role in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer in Africa could be severely affected. Many African nations rely on WHO guidance, technical assistance, and funding for capacity-building and disease management programs.

Strained Health Systems and Increased Mortality Risks

African health systems, already strained by limited resources and workforce shortages, could face further setbacks without WHO support. The withdrawal of U.S. funding may limit access to life-saving medications, vaccines, and healthcare services, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Additionally, public health experts warn that reduced WHO support could weaken pandemic preparedness and response mechanisms across Africa. Given the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, any disruption in global health coordination could leave African nations more susceptible to future outbreaks.

Calls for Alternative Funding and Regional Collaboration

In response to the crisis, African governments and health organizations may need to seek alternative funding sources to sustain critical health programs. Increased collaboration between African Union member states, regional health bodies, and private sector partners could help mitigate the funding gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has emphasized the need for continued dialogue with the U.S. government, stating that WHO reforms have addressed financing imbalances and strengthened global health governance. However, unless the U.S. reverses its decision, African health leaders must prepare for a challenging transition period in maintaining healthcare delivery and disease control efforts.

Conclusion

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO presents a major challenge for Africa’s health sector, threatening the progress made in combating infectious diseases and strengthening health systems. Unless swift action is taken to secure alternative funding and reinforce regional health initiatives, millions of Africans could face severe health risks in the coming years.

As the global health community reacts to this development, African nations must adapt and strategize to protect the continent’s most vulnerable populations from the fallout of reduced WHO funding and support.