How can WHO gain trust in Africa again ?
How can WHO gain trust in Africa again ?
How can WHO gain trust in Africa again ?
How can WHO gain trust in Africa again ?
WHO is globally start losing trust in Africa, even healthcare professionals have emerging doubts on the effectiveness in Africa.
WHO is globally start losing trust in Africa, even healthcare professionals have emerging doubts on the effectiveness in Africa.
Published on: Feb 23, 2025
Published on: Feb 23, 2025
7 min
7 min
Jocelini do Rego
Jocelini do Rego
On January 21, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order cited mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement urgent reforms, and lack of independence from political influence as key reasons for this decision【1】.
This move has reignited global debates about WHO’s credibility, particularly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly questioned the organization’s reliability. Many are now closely watching whether other nations will follow suit, potentially leading to a significant shift in global health governance.
Trust in WHO and modern medicine is at an all-time low since Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic deeply divided global opinion, particularly regarding the rapid rollout of mRNA vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA technology was introduced to the general public at an unprecedented speed, leading some scientists and health professionals to question its long-term safety.
Historically, new vaccines undergo decades of research and clinical trials before widespread public use. However, the emergency response to COVID-19 saw vaccines approved within less than a year. Critics argue that this accelerated process undermined public confidence and increased vaccine hesitancy【2】.
The questionable independence of WHO and the influence of private Donors
Concerns about WHO’s independence have grown as private foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have become major financial contributors. Currently, over 15% of WHO's budget comes from the Gates Foundation【3】, raising questions about the organization’s ability to remain impartial.
WHO’s budget breakdown reveals that a significant portion of its funding is earmarked for specific initiatives chosen by donors rather than general health improvement programs【4】. This has fueled speculation that certain private entities may influence global health policies for profit-driven motives rather than public well-being. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has also funded Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Moderna, leading some critics to question whether WHO's recommendations are driven by public health interests or private financial gains【5】.
One-size-fits-all approaches ignore Local Needs
As medical research advances, fields like epigenetics and environmental health highlight how regional health strategies must be adapted to local populations. However, WHO has been criticized for failing to tailor its recommendations to Africa’s unique healthcare challenges.
For example, WHO’s top priorities for Africa include birth or infectious diseases control programs, whereas many local health systems emphasize hygiene and access to medical care【6】. This misalignment has led to growing skepticism in African nations, where governments feel that WHO is addressing Western concerns rather than their own urgent health crises.
WHO withdrawal considered by both rich and poor countries
In total, 5 countries have already taken steps to reconsider their WHO membership:
United States 🇺🇸 – Officially announced withdrawal on January 21, 2025.
Argentina 🇦🇷 – Declared intent to leave on February 5, 2025【7】.
Indonesia 🇮🇩 – Dr. Wydia Murnia of WCH Indonesia has called for a national referendum on WHO membership【8】.
Tanzania 🇹🇿 – President Samia Suluhu Hassan has raised concerns about WHO’s influence and has hinted at exploring alternative global health partnerships【10】.
Uganda 🇺🇬 – Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has questioned WHO’s vaccine policies and their relevance to Africa’s unique healthcare challenges【11】.
Additionally, several African key opinion leaders have voiced their concerns:
Dr. John Nkengasong, former head of the Africa CDC, has emphasized the need for "an African-driven health governance framework that prioritizes regional needs over international agendas."【12】
Dr. Ayoade Alakija, a global health advocate, has publicly criticized WHO’s handling of pandemic responses, stating that "African health systems cannot continue to be dictated by organizations that do not fully grasp our realities."【13】
WHO Pays the Bill, and WHO Makes the Decisions?
As the saying goes: "Whoever pays the bill decides."
Dr. Wydia Murni of WCH Indonesia stated: “The growing control of private donors in global health governance should concern us all. Health policies must be shaped by medical science, not financial stakeholders.”【8】.
Similarly, Dr. Tess Lawrie, a vocal critic of WHO, raised concerns about whether global health recommendations truly prioritize patients or are influenced by funding sources【9】.
Rebuilding Trust will start from a shift of approach
The trust crisis in WHO raises urgent questions about the future of global health leadership. If more countries withdraw, could this pave the way for alternative health organizations better suited to regional challenges?
Africa’s role in global health governance is at a turning point. Governments must assess whether WHO remains a valuable partner or if they should pursue alternative collaborations that prioritize Africa’s specific healthcare challenges.
To restore credibility, WHO must shift its approach to better align with Africa’s actual health needs. Here are key areas for improvement:
✅ Localized Healthcare Strategies – WHO should fund studies based on local needs and adapt programs accordingly.
✅ Financial Transparency – WHO must implement clearer ethical guidelines to ensure donor influence does not override public health priorities.
✅ Decentralization of Health Policies – Allow regional health organizations in Africa to take greater control of healthcare decisions rather than relying solely on WHO directives.
✅ R&D and Innovation Investments – WHO must accelerate its HealthTech ecosystem support strategy by showing long term problem solving approach.
Sources 📚📝🔗
Executive Order on US Withdrawal from WHO (2025) – [White House Press Release]
The Lancet – COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Timelines (2021)
WHO Budget Report (2023) – [Official WHO Website]
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Funding Report (2023)
Gavi & Moderna Partnership Report (2022)
WHO Africa Regional Health Report (2023)
Argentina Ministry of Health Statement (2025)
WCH Indonesia Press Conference (2025)
Dr. Tess Lawrie on Twitter/X (Source)
Missing Data 🧐📉🔎
Official statements from African governments regarding WHO membership status.
Updated financial breakdown of WHO’s funding sources.
Comparative analysis of alternative health organizations that could replace WHO.
Survey data on public trust in WHO across different regions.
One more minute → We have two questions for you 🎤
We are lacking of high quality health insights and data to have real impact on people health in Africa.
Take one more minute to help us have some ;)
Kindly, click the link below to answer. ⬇️
Feedback on "News : How can WHO gain trust in Africa again?"
On January 21, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order cited mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement urgent reforms, and lack of independence from political influence as key reasons for this decision【1】.
This move has reignited global debates about WHO’s credibility, particularly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly questioned the organization’s reliability. Many are now closely watching whether other nations will follow suit, potentially leading to a significant shift in global health governance.
Trust in WHO and modern medicine is at an all-time low since Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic deeply divided global opinion, particularly regarding the rapid rollout of mRNA vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA technology was introduced to the general public at an unprecedented speed, leading some scientists and health professionals to question its long-term safety.
Historically, new vaccines undergo decades of research and clinical trials before widespread public use. However, the emergency response to COVID-19 saw vaccines approved within less than a year. Critics argue that this accelerated process undermined public confidence and increased vaccine hesitancy【2】.
The questionable independence of WHO and the influence of private Donors
Concerns about WHO’s independence have grown as private foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have become major financial contributors. Currently, over 15% of WHO's budget comes from the Gates Foundation【3】, raising questions about the organization’s ability to remain impartial.
WHO’s budget breakdown reveals that a significant portion of its funding is earmarked for specific initiatives chosen by donors rather than general health improvement programs【4】. This has fueled speculation that certain private entities may influence global health policies for profit-driven motives rather than public well-being. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has also funded Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Moderna, leading some critics to question whether WHO's recommendations are driven by public health interests or private financial gains【5】.
One-size-fits-all approaches ignore Local Needs
As medical research advances, fields like epigenetics and environmental health highlight how regional health strategies must be adapted to local populations. However, WHO has been criticized for failing to tailor its recommendations to Africa’s unique healthcare challenges.
For example, WHO’s top priorities for Africa include birth or infectious diseases control programs, whereas many local health systems emphasize hygiene and access to medical care【6】. This misalignment has led to growing skepticism in African nations, where governments feel that WHO is addressing Western concerns rather than their own urgent health crises.
WHO withdrawal considered by both rich and poor countries
In total, 5 countries have already taken steps to reconsider their WHO membership:
United States 🇺🇸 – Officially announced withdrawal on January 21, 2025.
Argentina 🇦🇷 – Declared intent to leave on February 5, 2025【7】.
Indonesia 🇮🇩 – Dr. Wydia Murnia of WCH Indonesia has called for a national referendum on WHO membership【8】.
Tanzania 🇹🇿 – President Samia Suluhu Hassan has raised concerns about WHO’s influence and has hinted at exploring alternative global health partnerships【10】.
Uganda 🇺🇬 – Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has questioned WHO’s vaccine policies and their relevance to Africa’s unique healthcare challenges【11】.
Additionally, several African key opinion leaders have voiced their concerns:
Dr. John Nkengasong, former head of the Africa CDC, has emphasized the need for "an African-driven health governance framework that prioritizes regional needs over international agendas."【12】
Dr. Ayoade Alakija, a global health advocate, has publicly criticized WHO’s handling of pandemic responses, stating that "African health systems cannot continue to be dictated by organizations that do not fully grasp our realities."【13】
WHO Pays the Bill, and WHO Makes the Decisions?
As the saying goes: "Whoever pays the bill decides."
Dr. Wydia Murni of WCH Indonesia stated: “The growing control of private donors in global health governance should concern us all. Health policies must be shaped by medical science, not financial stakeholders.”【8】.
Similarly, Dr. Tess Lawrie, a vocal critic of WHO, raised concerns about whether global health recommendations truly prioritize patients or are influenced by funding sources【9】.
Rebuilding Trust will start from a shift of approach
The trust crisis in WHO raises urgent questions about the future of global health leadership. If more countries withdraw, could this pave the way for alternative health organizations better suited to regional challenges?
Africa’s role in global health governance is at a turning point. Governments must assess whether WHO remains a valuable partner or if they should pursue alternative collaborations that prioritize Africa’s specific healthcare challenges.
To restore credibility, WHO must shift its approach to better align with Africa’s actual health needs. Here are key areas for improvement:
✅ Localized Healthcare Strategies – WHO should fund studies based on local needs and adapt programs accordingly.
✅ Financial Transparency – WHO must implement clearer ethical guidelines to ensure donor influence does not override public health priorities.
✅ Decentralization of Health Policies – Allow regional health organizations in Africa to take greater control of healthcare decisions rather than relying solely on WHO directives.
✅ R&D and Innovation Investments – WHO must accelerate its HealthTech ecosystem support strategy by showing long term problem solving approach.
Sources 📚📝🔗
Executive Order on US Withdrawal from WHO (2025) – [White House Press Release]
The Lancet – COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Timelines (2021)
WHO Budget Report (2023) – [Official WHO Website]
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Funding Report (2023)
Gavi & Moderna Partnership Report (2022)
WHO Africa Regional Health Report (2023)
Argentina Ministry of Health Statement (2025)
WCH Indonesia Press Conference (2025)
Dr. Tess Lawrie on Twitter/X (Source)
Missing Data 🧐📉🔎
Official statements from African governments regarding WHO membership status.
Updated financial breakdown of WHO’s funding sources.
Comparative analysis of alternative health organizations that could replace WHO.
Survey data on public trust in WHO across different regions.
One more minute → We have two questions for you 🎤
We are lacking of high quality health insights and data to have real impact on people health in Africa.
Take one more minute to help us have some ;)
Kindly, click the link below to answer. ⬇️
Feedback on "News : How can WHO gain trust in Africa again?"
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