Health sector fears after US exits WHO

There was a sense of apprehension over the future of local health programmes funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) following US President Donald Trump’s announcement to exit from the global body.

The USA’s withdrawal would have significant ramifications for local health initiatives given the billions of dollars that the Americans pump into WHO annually.

Like many developing countries, Kenya depends on donor-funded healthcare programmes. A senior officer at Afya House was non-committal, responding to our inquiry on the possible repercussions of President Donald Trump’s move.

“Kindly reach out to WHO Kenya country office for clarification,” he said tersely, and when prodded further, made reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Communications Manager for Kenya and Somalia, Angela Muathe feels that the withdrawal of the US from the WHO could present challenges. According to her Kenya’s strategic response should involve preparing for possible disruptions in funding, strengthening regional and global partnerships and increasing its focus on domestic health capacity.

“Monitoring US policy changes will be important, but it’s also crucial not to wait passively for external organisations to act—Kenya must plan for a diversified and sustainable health future,” she noted.

The UN yesterday issued a statement, expressing regret at the latest move by the Trump administration.

“The WHO regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organisation…We hope the United States will reconsider,” said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, hours after the new President signed an executive order at the White House, bringing US involvement in the UN agency to an end in 12 months.

Founding member

The US joined WHO in 1948 after a joint resolution was passed by both chambers of Congress. President Trump took steps to withdraw from the WHO in 2020 during his first term but the move was reversed by the Biden administration.

Asked about the impact of the US withdrawal, Jasarevic pointed out that he saw the executive order “this morning like everyone else” and that further analysis will be needed. He confirmed that the US was WHO’s largest single donor, accounting for 18 per cent of the agency’s budget in 2023.

Director-General of WHO Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted in a statement that the US was a founding member of WHO and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other member states, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.

“We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe,” he said.

“That’s a big one,” Trump told an aide as he began to sign the executive order, pointing to his 2020 decision and his belief that the US was paying too much money to the organisation compared to other countries.