Advocacy Update: Top Things to Know This Week

The Pandemic Fund announced its second round of funding

We were pleased to see a larger funding envelope of $500 million in this second round as compared to the first. However, more investment is certainly needed and we encourage our community to continue advocating for the U.S. government and others to contribute. Eligible countries, regional and implementing entities are invited to submit proposals through an online portal, beginning in late February.

The World Health Organization Executive Board Meeting met to set the agenda for the 2024 World Health Assembly

As we do each year, several GHC staff members traveled to Geneva to participate in the Executive Board meeting. On the whole, discussions and negotiations on a range of issues were mired in geopolitical tensions and cultural sensitivities. This hampered the Executive Board’s ability to make decisions on a number of agenda items. Additional details on how these tensions affected GHC’s priorities, and what this means for the upcoming 77th World Health Assembly, can be found here. The full EB154 agenda and live stream recordings of the discussions are also available.

The Appropriations Process continues

U.S. appropriators are still negotiating final numbers for all 12 appropriations bills, including those that would fund U.S. global health programs. The U.S. government is currently funded with a Continuing Resolution that will expire for some bills on March 1 and others on March 8. 

Topline bill allocations have not yet been made public. Though GHC and its members and partners have tirelessly advocated for no less than Fiscal Year 2023 levels for global health programs, we are preparing for any scenario.
In the meantime, we encourage GHC members to stay engaged in conversations and advocacy opportunities related to U.S. appropriations through GHC’s Budget & Appropriations Working Group. Contact Ansley Moore if you are interested in getting more involved in these discussions.