President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) will severely impact global health, particularly in Africa. The US is the WHO's largest donor, contributing significantly to vital health programs. The withdrawal will lead to a funding gap, weaken Africa's ability to respond to health emergencies, and threaten progress on key health goals like HIV/AIDS eradication and pandemic preparedness.
President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization will be keenly felt across the globe, with profound implications for health in Africa .
Then there are voluntary contributions: donations by member countries, foundations and other sources, usually earmarked to that donor’s priorities. The US contributes 16%, or US$442 million, of all voluntary contributions.As experts in global health law, we are deeply concerned about the impacts of this order, which will be far reaching.
The funding gap will also have an impact on programmes designed to increase access to quality essential health services, including the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis and malaria, and child and maternal health services. Weakened response to health emergencies Trump’s decision comes at a pivotal moment for health in Africa, which is experiencing major outbreaks.Last year, the US partnered with the WHO and Rwanda to rapidly bring a Marburg outbreak under control. The Marburg virus continues to threaten the continent. Tanzania has just confirmed an outbreak.
Even before these outbreaks, the US supported WHO-led emergency responses to COVID-19, Ebola and HIV/AIDS. The US withdrawal could lead to increased transmission, sickness and death in vulnerable regions. Restructuring of governance The US was instrumental in establishing the WHO and shaping WHO norms and standards, in particular driving amendments to the International Health Regulations adopted in June 2024. This included improved obligations to facilitate the rapid sharing of information between the WHO and countries.
The order also pulls the US out of the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. This will inevitably create new diplomatic dynamics. Optimistically, this could provide enhanced opportunities for African nations to strengthen their position on equity.
WHO US Withdrawal Africa Health Funding Global Health
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