After his inauguration, President Donald Trump wasted no time in officially withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). Citing its alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and claims of financial unfairness in the organization’s operations, the decision has sent ripples across global health and political circles.

While the U.S. grapples with the implications of this withdrawal, a pressing question arises for Africa: Will this serve as a wake-up call for independence, or will the continent continue to rely heavily on international institutions like the WHO?

Trump’s criticisms of the WHO have long been public. His accusations of favoritism towards China and inefficiencies in handling global health crises were compounded by disagreements over the proposed “pandemic treaty,” which sought to strengthen international collaboration in preparedness and outbreak response.

While some viewed the treaty as a step forward, others, particularly in the U.S., feared it encroached on national sovereignty. Trump’s withdrawal reflects those fears, leaving many nations questioning the stability of global health systems.

For Africa, this shift has profound implications. The continent has historically depended on the WHO for disease surveillance, technical assistance, and health funding.

From coordinating the Ebola response in West Africa to providing essential guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO’s role in Africa’s healthcare development has been undeniable. According to WHO data, approximately 15% of its overall budget directly supports programs across the African continent.

With the U.S. contributing nearly 20% of the WHO’s funding prior to the withdrawal, African programs stand to face significant disruptions.

This development raises a critical question: should Africa recalibrate its approach to healthcare dependency? Overreliance on external funding and technical assistance has long been a concern.

For instance, during the height of the pandemic, delays in vaccine distribution underscored the vulnerabilities of depending on global mechanisms like COVAX. Only 26% of Africa’s population had been fully vaccinated by mid-2022, compared to over 70% in high-income countries.

Now is the time for African nations to double down on investing in local healthcare systems. Regional bodies like the Africa CDC have shown promise in providing homegrown solutions to health crises. Collaborative efforts to build vaccine manufacturing facilities in countries like South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal are steps in the right direction.

Additionally, strengthening public-private partnerships could provide the financial and technological resources needed to reduce reliance on international aid.

However, the challenge remains immense. Africa’s healthcare spending accounts for just 5% of global expenditure despite housing nearly 17% of the world’s population. To bridge this gap, governments must prioritize health in their budgets, incentivize innovation, and foster regional cooperation.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO is a reminder that no nation or region can afford to place its future entirely in the hands of others. For Africa, it’s a call to action—one that requires both strategic vision and collective will. Whether this moment leads to greater independence or continued reliance will depend on the choices made today.