By Violet Auma
The decision by the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sent shockwaves through global health circles, with African nations poised to bear the brunt of its consequences. The U.S., previously the largest contributor to WHO’s budget at 18%, has left a critical funding gap of over $1.2 billion—an amount that directly supported life-saving programs across the continent.
For decades, African countries have relied on WHO’s technical assistance, funding, and partnerships to combat infectious diseases, respond to outbreaks, and build resilient health systems. This support has been crucial in managing public health crises such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Today, the continent faces the growing threats of Mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks. With limited resources, African nations are struggling to contain these diseases, and the U.S. withdrawal exacerbates their vulnerability. The potential for these outbreaks to spiral out of control is significant, especially as many African governments are already grappling with debt distress and lack the financial capacity to independently scale up response efforts.
The shortfall left by the U.S. withdrawal risks weakening WHO’s ability to provide disease surveillance, rapid response, and capacity-building support. Without adequate funding, WHO and its regional office, WHO Afro, may struggle to assist countries with fragile health systems. This could lead to delayed outbreak responses, insufficient vaccine rollouts, and a reduced ability to coordinate international health efforts.
African nations, which account for a significant proportion of global health challenges, now face the daunting task of bridging this funding gap. However, their constrained budgets and dependence on international aid make this an uphill battle.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, has warned of the dire consequences of this decision. “The U.S. withdrawal threatens to undermine decades of progress in global health security. Africa, with its already limited resources, cannot afford this blow as it battles escalating crises like Mpox and Marburg.”
He added that global cooperation is essential to prevent the current situation from spiraling out of control. “We urge the U.S. administration to reconsider its decision. Without adequate support, the world faces a heightened risk of widespread outbreaks, putting millions of lives at risk.”
The funding shortfall now places the burden on other nations and philanthropies to step up contributions. However, filling an 18% gap in WHO’s budget is no small feat, and delays in securing these funds could have catastrophic consequences for Africa and the world at large.
As the continent struggles to contain the current outbreaks, experts warn that without urgent global support, these diseases could reach pandemic proportions, further straining fragile health systems and endangering lives worldwide.
