Renowned journalist and global affairs commentator, Tendai Mugabe, has described the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “seismic decision” with profound implications for Zimbabwe and the rest of the world. The controversial move by former U.S. President Donald Trump, announced through an executive order signed earlier today, marks a dramatic shift in global health governance.
Trump justified the decision by accusing the UN health agency of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, among other grievances. However, the ripple effects of this decision are expected to go far beyond the pandemic, significantly impacting health programs in Zimbabwe and other developing nations.
A Financial Blow to Global Health Programs
The U.S. has long been one of the largest contributors to the WHO, funding approximately 18% of its total budget. This financial lifeline has supported global health initiatives, emergency , and disease prevention programs. Zimbabwe, like many other African countries, has directly benefited from the WHO’s efforts, particularly in combating infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
“The U.S. pullout creates an enormous funding shortfall for the WHO,” explained Mugabe. “Without this critical financial support, Zimbabwe could face major setbacks in fighting health pandemics and sustaining gains made in tackling diseases such as HIV and AIDS.”
Health Consequences for Zimbabwe and Africa
The WHO has been instrumental in driving initiatives that have saved millions of lives in Africa. Zimbabwe itself has seen substantial progress in reducing HIV-related deaths thanks to WHO-backed antiretroviral programs. In 2020, the WHO’s efforts led to Africa being declared polio-free, a historic milestone in public health.
Mugabe emphasized that the withdrawal could jeopardize Zimbabwe’s ability to maintain these successes. “HIV and AIDS were once devastating Zimbabwean communities, killing one child every 15 minutes just 15 years ago. With WHO guidelines and support, we’ve turned a corner, but the loss of American funding could undo much of this progress,” he warned.
The decision will also affect global campaigns against other deadly diseases. Tuberculosis, one of the world’s leading infectious killers, is particularly rampant in resource-constrained countries. The WHO’s ability to fund and coordinate responses to TB and similar diseases will be significantly weakened without U.S. contributions.
Broader Implications for Africa
Beyond Zimbabwe, the WHO’s withdrawal from the Ebola crisis in West Africa or its crucial role in pandemic preparedness highlights the agency’s indispensability. Mugabe pointed out that African nations, including Zimbabwe, rely heavily on the WHO to respond to health emergencies. “The withdrawal leaves a vacuum in global health leadership,” he said. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about the expertise and coordination that the WHO provides, which will now be compromised.”
The Way Forward for Zimbabwe
With America’s personnel set to be recalled and redirected, the WHO faces an uncertain future, and so does Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Mugabe called for African leaders to rally behind the WHO, advocating for increased funding from other nations to fill the gap left by the U.S. exit.
“Zimbabwe must strengthen its partnerships with other global health institutions and appeal to nations like China, the European Union, and private donors to support the WHO,” he urged.
The dust settles on Trump’s controversial decision, Zimbabwe and its African neighbors are left grappling with the sobering reality of what this means for their fight against infectious diseases and other health emergencies. “This is not just a political move,” Mugabe concluded. “It’s a decision that could cost lives especially in nations like ours, where we rely on international solidarity to keep our health systems afloat.”
