African Union Commission Asks United States to Reconsider Withdrawal from World Health Organization, Citing Decades of Public Health Collaboration

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The African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed deep concern following the United States’ announcement to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), urging the country to reconsider its decision. In a statement issued by the outgoing chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday, the AUC highlighted the vital role the U.S. has played in shaping global public health initiatives over the past seven decades, emphasizing its instrumental contributions to the WHO’s frameworks, emergency response systems, and health security norms.

The African Union also noted the critical support provided by the U.S. in establishing the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), a key partner of WHO in the continent’s fight against pandemics and health emergencies.

The United States has long been a major contributor to global health programs, with its financial support accounting for roughly 15% of the WHO’s budget. This funding has enabled the WHO to support health initiatives worldwide, including Africa’s efforts to strengthen health systems and respond to public health threats. Through its collaboration with Africa CDC, the U.S. has played a critical role in efforts to enhance disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and response on the continent. The withdrawal of the U.S. from WHO threatens to diminish resources available to these critical programs, potentially undermining decades of progress in global health security, particularly in Africa.

The AUC’s appeal underscores the potential negative impact this decision could have on the African continent. The U.S. is not only a key financial contributor but also a key technical partner, helping to build the frameworks that have enhanced Africa’s capacity to address public health emergencies. The African Union Commission has called on the U.S. to reconsider its withdrawal, stressing the importance of international collaboration in ensuring global public health security. As the world faces increasing health threats, the AUC insists that the role of WHO is more crucial than ever in maintaining the collective ability to respond to pandemics and safeguard public health worldwide.

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