By Staff Reporter
The outcry by individuals, Non State Actor’s, political parties and States, following Trump’s WHO pulluout despeaks the rhetorics of ‘developing countries’ in establishing sovereign state’s and self reliant systems to adress Africa’s challenges which far outweigh the USA pulluout.
Speaking during the signing of the declaration Trump argued that the USA was pulling out “due to the organization’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states”.
While it is important to note that the alleged financial mismanagement can not be tolerated, it remains imperative for ‘developing nations’ to note that the simple idea of dependency is not sustainable and devise locally derived health solutions.
Furthermore, while the outcry and potential consequences on the health system potentially brought about by the withdrawal of USA from the WHO can not be undermined, it is imperative to note that the porous systems in Africa have more financial impact and can cover the gap when rectified.
According to UNCTAD “Africa loses around $89 billion annually to illicit financial flows (IFFs), which is about 3.7% of its gross domestic product (GDP). This is a significant loss that can hinder the continent’s growth and development.”
While USA’s position as the largest contributor can not be undermined as according to the WHO, “The United States contributed US$ 1.284 billion during the 2022–2023 biennium, enabling work by WHO…”, the contribution is a drop in the ocean compared to the above noted Africa’s legacy losses.
With some Zimbabwean political influencer’s having condemned the move, it remains imperative that they go back to the drawing board and realise that America has to prioritise thier on citizen’s health first and ‘developing countries’ should equally do like wise.
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, President, Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) who in a press statement argued, “LEAD emphasizes that health is a fundamental human right, and the U.S.’s decision to withdraw from the WHO jeopardizes global efforts to protect this right. It is imperative for African nations to prepare for the ripple effects of this withdrawal while advocating for a united and inclusive global health system.”, should equally be critical to be guided by such knowledge.
With Trump having hinted on thier potential reconsideration, the WHO in a statement urged, the same as USA, a founding member of the 1948 blog, remained key to the Organisation’s budgetary and project funding.
“We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”
The move which comes at a time Trump has brought about a cocktail of changes that Africa had become heavily reliant on for funding and the recent controversial statement by French President Emmanuel Macron for former colonies to be thankful should come as a wake up call for ‘developing nations’ to be sovereign and self sufficient considering the argued abundant resources and conducive weather patterns