United States Out Of WHO Hazards Health Programs In Africa

WHO illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/United States Mission Geneva)

JAKARTA - The United States' plan to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) will put pressure on African health initiatives, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday, calling on African countries to seek alternative funding sources.

Senior CDC African official Ngashi Ngono said many countries have relied on US investment through WHO to fund public health movements.

"We know the role WHO plays on this continent to really increase the delivery of health programs," Ngongo told a news conference.

"The reduction or deduction of funds (US) will definitely affect the response," he continued.

"It's time for some African member countries to rethink public health funding," said Ngongo.

Ngogo said, after the CDC Africa assessed the situation, the CDC might explore funding opportunities with other non-African countries to offset the expected WHO decline in support.

Although Ngogo did not expect President Trump's order to have a major impact on the African CDC, he expressed concern that the joint action plan that the US government has developed over the past year could also be threatened.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's finance minister on Wednesday expressed concern that the exit of Uncle Sam's country could signal cuts in health assistance to countries such as the country most affected by HIV/AIDS.

The concern raised by Africa's leading public health officials is a sign of the potential impact of the US decision on the UN agency's ability to fight disease and respond to emergencies around the world without its biggest funders.

It is known that President Donald Trump signed an executive order regarding the exit of the US from the WHO on Monday, shortly after he was sworn in for a second term.