spot_imgspot_img
=

U.S’ Withdrawal From WHO Endangers Global Health, Africa’s Security – CEO, Amref

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
The group chief executive officer, Amref Health Africa, Dr. Githinji Gitahi.
The group chief executive officer, Amref Health Africa, Dr. Githinji Gitahi.

Amref Health Africa, the largest health development non-governmental organisation based in Africa, has stated that the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has created a significant budget shortfall.

This shortfall amounts to over $1.2 billion out of WHO’s annual budget of approximately $5 billion.

Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, Dr. Githinji Gitahi made this statement available to journalists on Friday in Abuja. He expressed concern about the future of global health security, particularly in regions like Africa, due to this move executed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office.

“For decades, the WHO, in collaboration with WHO Afro and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has played a pivotal role in strengthening public health across the African continent. The organisation’s work has included providing essential technical assistance in disease surveillance, control, response efforts, and fortifying health systems,” he said.

Gitahi pointed out that with the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, the global health body faces a significant budget shortfall that could severely undermine its ability to continue its work in Africa. “Without increased contributions from other nations and philanthropic organisations, this financial gap could weaken the WHO’s capacity to address urgent health needs, especially in Africa’s most fragile health systems,” he warned.

According to him, many African governments already struggling with debt will find it difficult to cover the funding shortfall. “This will leave vulnerable populations at greater risk, particularly as the world encounters accelerating disease outbreaks driven by climate change and human-environmental conflicts. If these outbreaks are not swiftly contained, they could further strain Africa’s healthcare infrastructure,” he noted.

The Group CEO of Amref Health Africa has urged the U.S. administration to reconsider its decision and re-engage with the WHO. He emphasised that global cooperation is essential to protect the health and well-being of millions of people in Africa and around the world.

“The withdrawal from the WHO undermines decades of progress in global health and poses a real threat to public health security. Now, more than ever, the world must come together to safeguard against the rising risks posed by infectious diseases,” he stated.

Science Nigeria reports that as nations around the world face increasingly interconnected health challenges, the need for collaboration has never been more urgent. To ensure a safer and healthier future for all, global cooperation, led by organisations like WHO, is vital.

Racheal Abujah
+ posts
- Advertisement -

Leave a Reply

get in touch

1,815FansLike
101FollowersFollow
47FollowersFollow

Latest News

Related Articles