From the newsletter
The U.S. withdrawal from WHO and freezing of PEPFAR funding endanger African health equity, affecting HIV treatment and climate-related health issues. While funding for antiretroviral treatments has resumed, uncertainty remains about continued support for other critical PEPFAR initiatives.
Climate change has magnified Africa’s health vulnerabilities, leading to an increased spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS. Extreme weather events disrupt access to healthcare and further compromise the immune systems of already susceptible populations.
The U.S. departure from the WHO means a loss of about 1.2 billion annual funding and the unclear status of PEPFAR significantly undermine Africa’s capacity to tackle these crises, leaving millions without access to essential healthcare services and treatment.
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Climate change is increasingly recognized as a multiplier of health crises across Africa, where vulnerable populations face the compounded effects of environmental disasters and disease. Among the most affected are people living with HIV, whose already compromised immune systems are further strained by climate-induced food insecurity, extreme weather events, and disrupted healthcare access.
On January 20th, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning any new government spending on foreign aid projects. This was followed by an unexpected "stop-work order" issued on January 24th, which effectively froze funding for PEPFAR, including existing grants and contracts. On January 28th however, Trump issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide H.I.V. treatment program, without clarity on which services will continue and which will stop.
PEPFAR represents the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease. Since its establishment in 2003, the US government has invested over USD 110 billion in the global HIV response, saving 26 million lives and preventing millions of new HIV infections in more than 50 countries.
PEPFAR has enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free to mothers living with HIV and has been a key player in providing life-saving antiretroviral treatment and support services across the continent.
Even more concerning is the US withdrawal from the WHO, the organization that monitors global disease outbreaks and offers research and resources to combat a range of illnesses, from malaria to pneumonia. The WHO is also leading efforts to address climate-related health issues, making this withdrawal a significant setback.
Criticizing the World Health Organization's handling of the COVID pandemic, President Donald Trump signed an order on 20th January for the U.S. to withdraw from the organization.
Africa CDC warns that these funding cuts and weakened international collaboration will affect Africa’s ability to combat both the climate crisis and its health consequences, putting millions of lives at risk.
Our take
Can new local financing solutions fill the gap?
For a long time, Africa has relied on international aid to fund its healthcare systems. However, the continent now faces an urgent need for additional resources to address the healthcare gap exacerbated by the extremes of climate change. Because of this dual challenge, it is time for Africa to take charge by investing in domestic health programs and establishing equitable international partnerships.
Africa must recognize that integrating climate resilience into healthcare strategies is crucial to ensure that health systems can withstand the escalating effects of extreme weather events, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.
As international support weakens, African nations should enhance regional cooperation by pooling resources and knowledge to tackle both climate change and health challenges effectively.
Africa also has the opportunity to leverage homegrown innovations such as mobile health technologies, renewable energy-powered clinics, and telemedicine to mitigate the impact of funding cuts.