Benue Commissioner Raises Concerns Over U.S Withdrawal From WHO

Benue State's Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, has expressed concerns over the potential impact of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Nigeria's healthcare system. The commissioner noted that many health programs in Nigeria rely heavily on funding from the U.S. government, and without this support, the country may struggle to address health challenges effectively.

Dr. Ortese called on the Nigerian government to explore alternative sources of funding for health programs and to strengthen its own health systems to reduce reliance on external assistance. He also emphasized the need for strong leadership and coordination in the global health community to ensure that efforts to address health challenges are not derailed by the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO.

The U.S. is WHO's largest single donor, accounting for 18% of the agency's annual budget. The withdrawal process is expected to take a year, following a joint resolution passed by Congress in 1948. The commissioner urged the international community to step up its support for global health initiatives and to work together to ensure that essential health services are not disrupted by the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO.

https://von.gov.ng/benue-commissioner-raises-concerns-over-u-s-withdrawal-from-who/