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Kenya Seeks New Health Partnerships Amid US Withdrawal from WHO

Kenya is actively seeking strategies to bolster its healthcare systems and mitigate the impact of the United States’ decision to exit the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Acting Director General for Health, Kenya is prioritizing the establishment of bilateral health partnerships with other nations and institutions to address the funding and expertise gaps left by the US withdrawal. He emphasized Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that the national health priorities are not compromised.

“International collaboration is crucial to safeguarding our health agenda,” Dr. Amoth stated during a press briefing at the Ministry of Health headquarters on Wednesday, January 22.

Acting Health Director Dr Patrick Amoth

Dr. Amoth underscored the importance of advocating for multilateral support through the African Union and other global platforms to maintain Africa’s health issues on the international agenda. Additionally, he highlighted the need for enhanced regional cooperation with neighboring countries to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve disease surveillance, and enable coordinated responses to health challenges.

“Strengthening regional cooperation is key to addressing cross-border health concerns. Regional unity is essential to safeguard public health,” he remarked.

Dr. Amoth also called for increased domestic investment in health by mobilizing local resources to sustain key health programs and reduce reliance on foreign funding.

“Enhancing local resource allocation for health is crucial for long-term sustainability, especially in light of shifting global funding dynamics,” he added.

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Furthermore, he advocated for fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment and explore alternative global health partners such as the European Union and the Gates Foundation.

Implications of the US Withdrawal from WHO

On Monday, the United States formally announced its intent to withdraw from WHO, a move that signifies a significant shift in global health diplomacy and could have profound consequences for public health in countries like Kenya.

For over seventy years, the US-WHO partnership has played a pivotal role in combating global health threats, including the eradication of smallpox and efforts to control diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The US has been WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing approximately 18% of its total funding. Its exit raises concerns about the continuity of critical health programs worldwide.

Public health experts warn that the US withdrawal could jeopardize programs targeting leading infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. Programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have been instrumental in Kenya’s fight against HIV/AIDS, offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) to millions.

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Dr. Gitahi Githinji, CEO of Amref Health Africa, expressed concerns about the financial gap left by the potential withdrawal of US-backed initiatives like PEPFAR and the Global Fund, which contribute around Ksh40 billion annually to Kenya’s HIV response.

“We must be concerned. Foreign funding has been vital in combating HIV/AIDS. Without PEPFAR, Kenya will face an immense financial shortfall,” Dr. Githinji warned.

Similarly, Irene Chami, Director of Programs at The End Fund, highlighted the potential risks to efforts addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness). WHO’s financial support plays a crucial role in achieving the 2021-2030 NTD Roadmap goals, and funding shortfalls may hinder progress.

“WHO provides essential technical support, policy guidance, and resources for treatment and evaluation in Africa. Funding constraints could severely impact its ability to support countries like Kenya in their efforts to eliminate NTDs,” Chami noted.

Challenges for Kenya’s Health System

WHO has played a vital role in disease surveillance, workforce training, and policy advisory services, particularly during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where Kenya relied heavily on WHO’s vaccine distribution through the COVAX initiative.

The US withdrawal raises uncertainties about continued support for such initiatives, potentially jeopardizing Kenya’s pandemic preparedness and access to critical treatments.

WHO-led programs like the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and malaria control efforts are heavily reliant on US funding and expertise. Their disruption could hinder progress in combating these diseases, which continue to affect vulnerable populations in Kenya.

Beyond financial support, the US departure undermines WHO’s leadership in addressing emerging health challenges. The ongoing pandemic treaty, which aims to establish a global health security framework, may lose momentum without US involvement, potentially weakening collective responses to future health crises.

The White House has confirmed that during the withdrawal process, the US will cease negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty and amendments to the International Health Regulations. US personnel involved with WHO will be reassigned, and efforts will be made to find alternative partners to sustain critical health programs.

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Responding to the decision, WHO expressed regret over the withdrawal, emphasizing the long-standing collaboration that has saved countless lives globally.

“For over seventy years, WHO and the US have worked together to protect public health. We hope for continued dialogue to sustain this vital partnership,” WHO stated.

Kenya must now adapt to the changing global health landscape by fostering new alliances, enhancing domestic investments, and seeking alternative support to ensure the health and well-being of its population.

For more information, visit the official WHO website: www.who.int

Learn more about Kenya’s health initiatives: Ministry of Health Kenya

Read more about global health funding: Global Fund


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