The African Union expressed strong concern on Wednesday over President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), urging the U.S. administration to reconsider its stance.
The announcement came just hours after Trump took office on Monday, when he signed an executive order initiating the U.S. withdrawal from the Geneva-based health agency, a move that could significantly impact global health funding.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, voiced his dismay in a statement, emphasizing that the U.S pullout is especially concerning at a time when Africa is grappling with numerous health crises, including recent outbreaks of mpox and Marburg viruses.
Faki underscored the vital role the WHO plays in ensuring global public health security, stating, “Now more than ever, the world depends on WHO to carry out its mandate to ensure global public health security as a shared common good.”
The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the WHO, and its withdrawal could leave the organization struggling with funding challenges.
Faki also highlighted Washington’s early support for the Africa CDC, a key partner of the WHO in tackling health emergencies across the continent, and expressed hope that the U.S. would reconsider its decision.
Trump has been a vocal critic of the WHO, particularly regarding its response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and had previously announced plans to withdraw during his first term.
However, the decision was reversed by President Joe Biden.
Tom Frieden, former U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, responded to the move on social media, warning that the U.S withdrawal would weaken America’s influence, heighten the risk of future pandemics, and jeopardize global safety.
The decision comes amid growing concerns about the potential for a bird flu outbreak, which has already infected dozens and caused its first U.S. human fatality earlier this month.
Meanwhile, WHO member states continue negotiations on a global pandemic treaty, a process now set to move forward without the U.S.
