- U.S. Exit from WHO May Harm Nigeria’s Health Sector
- Stakeholders Warn of Funding Cuts for Health Programs
- WHO Urges U.S. to Reconsider Withdrawal
Health experts in Nigeria have raised concerns over the potential impact of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the country’s health sector. The decision, made by U.S. President Donald Trump, could reduce funding for critical health programs in Nigeria, experts warned during a meeting in Abuja on January 22, 2025.
Dr. Daniel Adakole, a public health expert, described the move as a setback for global health, especially for low-income countries like Nigeria. He noted that WHO has been instrumental in supporting programs such as polio eradication, disease surveillance, and malaria control in Nigeria.
Pediatrician Dr. Mercy Takpa expressed concern about the impact on immunization programs, particularly the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), heavily funded by U.S. contributions to WHO. “Reduced funding could risk a resurgence of diseases like polio and undermine vaccine-preventable disease efforts,” she said.
Maternal health advocate Lydia Dimka highlighted the importance of WHO-backed initiatives for maternal and child health in underserved regions like Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.
Economist Danladi Kutara urged African nations to strengthen regional health systems and seek alternative funding sources. “This is a wake-up call for Africa to reduce reliance on foreign aid for health programs,” he added.
The WHO expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing its role in global health security, including fighting pandemics and eradicating diseases like smallpox and polio. The organization appealed to the U.S. to reconsider and continue supporting global health efforts.
