Impact and Opportunity: The U.S. Withdrawal from WHO and its Impact on Public Health in Africa

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In the fight against health crises across Africa, the United States has been an indispensable partner of the World Health Organization (WHO). For decades, U.S. contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes on the continent, providing crucial support in the battle against pandemics and health emergencies. However, with the recent announcement of the United States’ decision to withdraw from WHO, a significant gap has emerged, raising serious concerns about the future of public health in Africa.

Below is a list of major pandemics and health emergencies in Africa where the USA contributed substantially, either directly or through WHO collaborations:

Ebola Virus Outbreaks

  • West Africa (2014-2016): The largest Ebola outbreak in history primarily affected Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The U.S. played a critical role in the response by providing logistical support, medical expertise, and funding through the CDC and WHO collaboration.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (2018-2020): The U.S. provided resources, funding, and expertise to help contain the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The CDC worked alongside WHO and other international agencies to respond to the epidemic.

 HIV/AIDS

  • The U.S. has been a key partner in combating HIV/AIDS across Africa through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has funded HIV prevention, treatment, and education programs. WHO’s work in Africa has been crucial in supporting PEPFAR efforts in addressing the epidemic, particularly in Southern and Eastern Africa.
  • South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda: U.S. funding and technical expertise supported WHO’s efforts to scale up treatment and prevention programs, resulting in significant progress in the region.

 Malaria

  • The U.S. has been a significant contributor to global malaria control efforts, including support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. WHO’s initiatives in malaria prevention, including insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial drugs, and surveillance programs, have received substantial U.S. support.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: Malaria remains one of the top health challenges in the region, with the U.S. and WHO working together to reduce mortality rates, particularly among children under five.

 Zika Virus Outbreak (2015-2016)

  • While the Zika virus outbreak primarily affected the Americas, WHO and the U.S. worked closely in monitoring and addressing potential spread risks to Africa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided expertise and resources to monitor and prevent the outbreak from reaching African nations.

 Polio Eradication

  • The U.S. has been heavily involved in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), working with WHO, Rotary International, UNICEF, and other partners. Efforts in countries like Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudanhave been key to eliminating polio transmission in Africa.
  • Through the CDC and PEPFAR, the U.S. has helped deliver vaccines, conduct surveillance, and support vaccination campaigns across the continent.

 Meningitis Outbreaks

  • The U.S. CDC, alongside WHO and local African governments, has been instrumental in responding to recurrent meningitis outbreaks, particularly in the meningitis belt that spans from Senegal to Ethiopia. The U.S. has provided funding for vaccine distribution, surveillance, and rapid response.

 COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-Present)

  • The U.S. played a crucial role in supporting Africa’s response to COVID-19, working with WHO to ensure the delivery of vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other resources. The COVAX initiative, supported by the U.S., WHO, and Gavi, aimed to deliver vaccines to African nations.
  • The CDC also provided technical assistance and expertise to African countries in terms of testing, surveillance, and case management.

 Cholera Outbreaks

  • The U.S., through CDC’s Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), has supported WHO in tackling recurring cholera outbreaks in countries like Haiti, Yemen, and several African nations, including South Sudan and Zambia. The U.S. has funded water sanitation programs, vaccine campaigns, and preparedness strategies to curb the spread of cholera.

 Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Tuberculosis has been a persistent health emergency in many African countries. The U.S. has been a significant contributor to Global Tuberculosis Programs, working with WHO and other agencies to fight the disease, particularly in high-burden countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
  • The U.S. CDC and USAID have helped to provide diagnostic tools, treatment programs, and funding for TB control efforts.

 Yellow Fever Outbreaks

  • The U.S. has supported WHO in its response to several yellow fever outbreaks in Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa. The U.S. CDC has provided vaccines, logistical support, and technical expertise during outbreak responses and in strengthening preventive measures.

Guinea worm disease

  • The United States, through its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners, has played a key role in the fight against Guinea worm disease, a debilitating parasitic infection that primarily affects rural communities in Africa.
  • The U.S. has supported eradication efforts led by the Carter Center, which has been instrumental in providing technical expertise, funding, and resources for Guinea worm disease surveillance, health education, and the distribution of water filtration tools.

 

Through its funding and expertise, the U.S. has not only strengthened WHO’s capacity to respond but has also supported the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), a key partner in safeguarding public health on the continent. In countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, U.S. investments in disease surveillance, vaccine distribution, and emergency response systems have saved countless lives and improved the resilience of health systems.

Now, with the United States’ withdrawal from WHO, the consequences for Africa are profound. The loss of U.S. funding, technical support, and leadership will undoubtedly hinder efforts to address ongoing health challenges. Programs aimed at combating infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and polio, as well as initiatives in maternal and child health, may face significant setbacks. The U.S. has also been a crucial player in the Global Fund, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and other international health initiatives that directly benefit African countries. With this support on the line, African nations face a daunting challenge in filling the funding gap left behind.

It is imperative that the United States reconsider its withdrawal from WHO. The health security of the global community, particularly in Africa, is deeply interconnected. The U.S. has played an essential role in strengthening the global health infrastructure, and its departure could leave Africa vulnerable to health emergencies that transcend borders. As a founding member of WHO, the U.S. has a moral and strategic responsibility to remain engaged in this critical global health partnership.

At the same time, African governments and regional stakeholders must step up to ensure the continuity of public health efforts on the continent. The African Union, through the Africa CDC, has already demonstrated leadership in responding to health emergencies, including the fight against Ebola and COVID-19. But the scale of the challenge requires a more robust, sustainable, and collaborative approach. African governments must prioritize health security, invest in homegrown solutions, and work together to fill the gaps left by the U.S. withdrawal.

Additionally, international stakeholders—governments, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations—must now take up the mantle to fill the void left by the U.S. While African nations take on greater responsibility for their health systems, they will need the support of the international community more than ever. Funding for health initiatives must not only continue but increase to ensure that progress made in recent years is not reversed. The global community must rally together to support initiatives such as the Global Fund, the Africa CDC, and other critical programs that tackle public health crises across the continent.

The U.S. withdrawal from WHO presents an unprecedented challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for reflection and reinvigoration of global health partnerships. In these uncertain times, we must act with urgency and solidarity to ensure that no country—especially those in Africa—is left behind in the fight for a healthier future. The time to act is now. The health of millions depends on it.

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