The U.S. Is Winging This Ebola Outbreak The U.S. has largely withdrawn from the World Health Organization and is now responding to the Ebola outbreak in Africa independently, which experts view as siloed and less effective than a coordinated effort. This approach risks duplication of efforts and potential conflict with other international actors. The U.S.’s focus on its own interests, such as travel restrictions and evacuations, has also strained relations in affected countries.

• The U.S. has independently responded to the latest Ebola outbreak in Africa, largely sidelining itself from the World Health Organization’s coordinated efforts.
• Experts criticize the U.S. response as siloed, uncoordinated, and potentially less effective due to its absence from the WHO.
• The U.S. has committed significant funds and personnel but is perceived as operating on the outskirts of the primary international effort.
• The U.S.’s “America First” stance and unilateral actions have reportedly strained relations in affected countries.
• Coordination through the WHO is considered the most viable path for effectively combating the outbreak, a channel the U.S. is largely bypassing.