The United States’ formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization, effective January 22, has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s public health community. Health experts warn that the move threatens to disrupt critical programmes tackling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and immunisation – at a time when the country can least afford setbacks.
America has long been WHO’s biggest single donor, contributing 15-20 per cent of its budget in recent years. Its abrupt departure leaves a gaping funding hole that could ripple across Africa, where the organisation coordinates disease surveillance, outbreak response and technical support.
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