The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) endangers Africa’s public health efforts, Anadolu Agency reported.
Ngashi Ngongo, a senior Africa CDC official, emphasized the WHO’s critical role in improving healthcare delivery on the continent. Speaking during a virtual briefing, Ngongo called for innovative public health financing solutions in Africa to offset potential funding disruptions.
The issue will be discussed at an upcoming African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order formalizing the US withdrawal, citing the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of reforms, and alleged political influence.
The decision has sparked concerns over cuts to US health programs like PEPFAR, which supports millions of Africans living with HIV/AIDS. In response, the WHO expressed regret over the decision, with spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic urging the US to reconsider. The US, a WHO member since 1948, must provide one year’s notice before officially leaving the organization.
Ngongo stressed the urgency for African nations to strengthen local health financing to avoid disruptions. “This is a wake-up call for Africa to rethink how we sustain our public health systems,” he said.
