The United States sent major shockwaves through the global health system by leaving the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2026.

Not only is the United States one of the founding members of WHO, but it has also traditionally been the largest contributor, accounting for nearly 15% of its budget. Its withdrawal creates a critical funding gap that disproportionately affects Africa, where WHO spending is heavily invested in fighting infectious diseases and strengthening fragile healthcare systems.

In 2020-2021, WHO, for example, allocated US$17.6mn to Malawi. The health body has not published recent figures, but many development finance analysts estimate a reduction following the US withdrawal.

“It is saddening to note that the relationship between one of the founders of the World Health Organization, which is the US and the WHO has gone sour,” Maziko Matemba, a Malawian health activist, said.