Experts have raised concerns that the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s health governance. Dr. Tunji Akintade, a general physician, warned that Nigeria, already facing critical health challenges, would experience a worsening of health outcomes as global aid, particularly from WHO, dwindles.
Nigeria’s 2025 health budget, which allocates only 5.18% of the N2.48 trillion to health, falls short of the Abuja Declaration’s target of 15%. Akintade emphasized the need for domestic funding to address this gap and improve health outcomes. WHO’s financial support and technical guidance have been vital in strengthening Nigeria’s health systems, particularly in disease response and emergency preparedness.
The U.S. has been a significant contributor to global health initiatives, including funding for programs like PEPFAR and the President’s Malaria Initiative, which have benefited Nigeria and other African nations. Dr. Obafemi Shode, a health economics analyst, also expressed concern about the future of these programs under President Trump’s administration, given the U.S.’s withdrawal from WHO.
Experts believe that the U.S. exit will weaken global health governance, impacting low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where health indices may worsen due to reduced healthcare access and funding. The withdrawal may also disrupt the global response to health emergencies, raise healthcare costs, and strain the medical supply chain.
