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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

How State plans to address funding gaps after US withdrawal from WHO

National

By Stephanie Wangari | Jan 22, 2025

**Health Services Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth.** [ Standard]

The Ministry of Health says it will engage and partner with other countries to address funding gaps following the United States' decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, January 22, Health Director- General Patrick Amoth detailed plans to collaborate with neighboring countries to strengthen regional health infrastructure and improve disease surveillance.

The ministry is also pursuing partnerships with non-U.S. donors, including the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and China, to support Kenya's health systems.

Amoth said Kenya will also mobilize local resources to sustain critical health programs, such as polio eradication, HIV/AIDS prevention, and maternal health, which previously relied heavily on U.S. donor support.

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"WHO provides essential expertise, training, and funding for Kenya’s health system. The U.S. withdrawal could slow progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and jeopardize programs like COVAX, limiting access to affordable vaccines," he stated.

The U.S., formerly WHO’s largest donor, had played a key role in funding global health initiatives.

However, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to withdraw the country from WHO, citing disparities in funding contributions compared to China.

Vaccine shortage

The Health DG further urged parents of children who missed their BCG vaccinations to visit clinics for the jab.

He assured the public that vaccine distribution is ongoing and that the situation is expected to improve within two weeks.

According to Amoth, BCG vaccines were received at the Ministry’s Kitengela stores yesterday, and distribution is underway in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru, Nyeri, and Garissa.