The United States’ recent withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised serious concerns globally, especially for developing nations like Nigeria. As one of the largest contributors to WHO, the U.S. played a crucial role in funding global health programs, including those in Africa. With the U.S. pulling out, Nigeria could face significant challenges in accessing essential healthcare support, particularly in times of global health crises. This withdrawal could have far-reaching consequences on Nigeria’s healthcare system, economy, and overall preparedness for future pandemics.
On the first day of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order was expected, as he attempted this during his first term, in July 2020. However, because WHO withdrawal requires a one-year notice, the decision did not take effect and was reversed by President Biden when he took office in 2021.
Trump wrote ” By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states. In addition, the WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed payments. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO.
” Sec. 2. Actions. (a) The United States intends to withdraw from the WHO. The Presidential Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations signed on January 20, 2021, that retracted the United States’ July 6, 2020, notification of withdrawal is revoked”
For decades, WHO has stood as a beacon of international cooperation, coordinating outbreak responses, fostering scientific exchange, setting norms, and providing invaluable technical assistance. The benefits of membership are immense, including disease surveillance, health system strengthening, and health diplomacy. The US helped create WHO and has been a core funder and leader for over 75 years
Philanthropic organisations and wealthy individuals may be able to bridge some of the funding gaps, but it is unrealistic to expect them to replace the US. The newly expanded BRICS nations ( Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates ) have a poor track record in funding multilateral organisations.
Nigeria has consistently relied on foreign aids to finance critical aspects of it’s budgets, infrastructure projects, and social development initiatives. For Nigeria, the United States has been one of the largest and most reliable sources of foreign aid, with the country receiving $1.02 billion in 2023, making it the 7th largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance.
One of the immediate impacts is the potential reduction in WHO funding for Nigeria. The U.S. has historically contributed a substantial portion of WHO’s budget, supporting vaccination programs, maternal health, and disease control efforts. With the loss of this funding, Nigeria might struggle to sustain critical health initiatives, particularly those focused on eradicating diseases like malaria, polio, and tuberculosis. Given Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system, any funding gap could worsen the country’s ability to provide essential healthcare services to its citizens.
Nigeria’s economic situation further complicates matters. The country is burdened with significant debt, Nigeria is already struggling to manage its debt, which stands at over $90 billion, with a significant portion owed to external lenders, including the World Bank, China, and private investor and cannot afford to bear the sole responsibility of responding to a pandemic outbreak and it’s making it difficult to allocate more funds to healthcare.
Despite government assurances that Nigeria’s debt remains manageable, concerns persist over the country’s ability to meet its repayment obligations. The naira’s depreciation has further worsened the situation, making dollar-denominated loans more expensive to service
The Nigerian government already faces challenges in meeting its budgetary obligations, and any additional financial strain from covering gaps left by reduced WHO funding could push the healthcare system to the brink. If another pandemic were to break out, Nigeria might not have the resources to respond effectively, leading to severe health and economic consequences.
Beyond financial constraints, the U.S. withdrawal could also weaken Nigeria’s access to medical research, technology, and global health collaborations facilitated by WHO. Many global health initiatives rely on partnerships that involve WHO and its member states. If funding and support decline, Nigeria might struggle to access new medical innovations, vaccines, and treatments that could be crucial in managing diseases. This could slow down the country’s progress in fighting infectious diseases and improving public health outcomes.
Moreover, the global health leadership vacuum left by the U.S. withdrawal could create uncertainty in international health policies, affecting Nigeria’s ability to align with global best practices. The WHO plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to health crises, setting guidelines, and providing technical expertise. If the organization’s influence weakens, Nigeria may face difficulties in responding effectively to future outbreaks, as there could be delays in information-sharing, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
To mitigate these risks, Nigeria must take proactive steps to strengthen its healthcare system. First, the government must prioritize healthcare funding, even amid economic difficulties. Increasing domestic healthcare investment will ensure that Nigeria is less dependent on foreign aid and can respond more effectively to health emergencies. Additionally, Nigeria should seek alternative funding sources, such as private-sector partnerships and regional collaborations, to fill the financial gap left by reduced WHO support.
Furthermore, the country must invest in medical research and healthcare infrastructure to improve its self-sufficiency. Developing local vaccine production capacity, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and improving healthcare workforce training will be crucial in enhancing Nigeria’s ability to handle future health crises. Additionally, the government should engage with other international partners, such as the European Union and China, to diversify its sources of global health support.
Ultimately, while the U.S. withdrawal from WHO poses significant challenges for Nigeria, it also presents an opportunity for the country to build a more resilient healthcare system. By prioritizing healthcare investment, fostering international partnerships, and strengthening local capacity, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on external aid and improve its ability to manage health emergencies independently.
