US withdrawal from WHO could disrupt African healthcare funding, study finds

The US contributed approximately 12–15 percent of the WHO's total funding between 2022 and 2023, including over $400 million in 2020, which supported efforts against infectious diseases, health system strengthening, and emergency responses. Africa's reliance on external funding makes it vulnerable to global health funding fluctuations, with potential threats to programs addressing HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, and malaria, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study warns that reduced WHO funding could shift the financial burden to individuals and households, increasing out-of-pocket spending and limiting access to essential services.

It also noted that US funding was crucial for initiatives like COVAX for equitable vaccine access. However, the study also suggests that this challenge could encourage wider adoption of health insurance schemes and prompt African governments to strengthen domestic healthcare financing and invest in local pharmaceutical production. The United States formally completed its withdrawal from the WHO on January 22, 2026.