MONICA KAYOMBO, Lusaka
AFRICA Medical Foundation (AMREF) has expressed its heartfelt concern over the decision by the United States (US to withdraw from the Would Health Organsisation (WHO) saying the decision would badly affect Africa, the US and the world over in areas of climate change and human-environmental conflict.
The Organisation has described the move as undermining to decades of global health and health security gains adding that it leaves the US, Africa and the world more vulnerable to infectious diseases and public health threats.
“WHO through WHO Afro, alongside Africa CDC, plays a critical role in Africa’s public health by providing technical assistance in disease surveillance, control and response, and health systems strengthening alongside strengthening core capacities for the International Health Regulations. The U.S. withdrawal creates a budget shortfall of over $1.2 billion out of WHO’s annual budget of approximately $5 billion,’’ the statement reads in part.
AMREF adds that unless the budget is offset by increased contributions from other countries and philanthropies, this shortfall threatens to weaken our global health security, especially arising from the most fragile health systems mainly in Africa.
It goes on to explain that African governments, already under debt distress, would struggle to fill this gap, leaving the world fragile and unsafe for everyone amid accelerating disease outbreaks from climate change and human-environmental ‘conflict.
“We urge the U.S. administration to reconsider its decision and engage with WHO to protect the health and well-being of millions in Africa and worldwide. Global cooperation is essential for a safer, healthier future.
This statement is according to the statement issued by AMREF Health Africa Chief Executive officer Dr Githinji Gitahi.
