US withdrawal from WHO threatens Africa's health gains

"The United States sent major shockwaves through the global health system by leaving the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2026. Not only is the United States one of the founding members of WHO, but it has also traditionally been the largest contributor, accounting for nearly 15% of its budget. Its withdrawal creates a critical funding gap that disproportionately affects Africa, where WHO spending is heavily invested in fighting infectious diseases and strengthening fragile healthcare systems."

"In 2020-2021, WHO, for example, allocated $17.6 million (15 million) to Malawi. The health body has not published recent figures, but many development finance analysts estimate a reduction following the US withdrawal. "It is saddening to note that the relationship between one of the founders of the World Health Organization, which is the US and the WHO has gone sour," Maziko Matemba, a Malawian health activist, said."

"Programs targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and neglected tropical diseases are especially vulnerable. Countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are among the largest recipients of US-linked global health funding. These countries now risk disruptions to drug procurement, prevention campaigns, and community health services. Experts warn that even short-term disruptions can lead to increased transmission, drug resistance, and reversals of decades of progress in HIV and TB control."

United States withdrawal from WHO in January 2026 removes a major funder, previously contributing nearly 15% of WHO's budget, creating a critical funding gap. WHO spending in Africa focuses on infectious disease control and health system strengthening, so funding reductions risk program cuts and weakened services. WHO allocated $17.6 million to Malawi in 2020–2021; analysts expect reductions after the US exit. WHO's Executive Board scheduled a February 2 meeting to address the US intention. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, polio and neglected tropical disease programs face vulnerabilities, risking treatment disruptions, increased transmission, drug resistance and reversals of progress.

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