U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Sparks Concerns for Sierra Leone’s Healthcare

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that experts warn could impact healthcare and disease control in countries such as Sierra Leone.

The Trump administration confirmed the completion of the withdrawal last week, ending nearly 80 years of U.S. membership. Washington cited dissatisfaction with WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and broader accountability issues. As one of the organization’s largest funders, the U.S. has historically contributed hundreds of millions of dollars annually to global programs supporting disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and technical assistance.

Health authorities in Sierra Leone caution that the withdrawal could have serious implications for public health, particularly for programs providing vaccines against measles, polio, and COVID-19, as well as essential medicines for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. Experts also note that the move may weaken disease monitoring systems, leaving countries more vulnerable to outbreaks.

WHO has long provided technical expertise, training for medical staff, and support for strengthening health systems. Public health officials emphasize that the U.S. exit could fragment international cooperation at a critical time. Other countries and international organizations may need to fill the funding and technical gaps left by the U.S., but experts stress that Sierra Leone must also strengthen local health capacity to mitigate risks.

With the U.S. no longer providing financial and technical support, Sierra Leone faces the urgent challenge of maintaining access to essential healthcare services while exploring partnerships with other nations and global health agencies.