Advocacy Update: Top Things to Know This Week

Biden administration requests supplemental funding for global COVID-19 response, Ukraine, and disaster recovery

On November 15, the Biden administration sent a letter to Congress requesting to include additional funding in the must-pass fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations package to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and natural disasters. The letter requested $1 billion to Global Health Programs to control the spread of COVID-19 and potential new variants. Congress has until December 16 to enact a final FY23 budget, when the current Continuing Resolution keeping the government running expires.

Congress returns from the Thanksgiving holiday with a packed agenda

House and Senate leaders return today from the Thanksgiving break with a full agenda, including must-pass legislation to fund the government for FY23 before the current Continuing Resolution expires on December 16.

Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations holds first meeting

On November 14-15, the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (WGIHR) met for the first time. The Working Group met to elect its Bureau, which is composed of six officers (one from each WHO region), organize aspects of the WGIHR, and review the process of receiving proposed amendments and establishing a Review Committee regarding amendments to the IHRs, among other things. More documents pertaining to WGIHR can be found here.

USAID announces new global flagship water finance program at COP27

At the 27th Conference of Parties on Climate Change, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Finance 2 (WASH-FIN 2), which aims to mobilize $375 million by 2027 for climate-resilient water and sanitation services and strengthen at least 165 sector institutions and service providers. Funds will be mobilized from a mix of private investments, government appropriations, and user fees. India, Ghana, and Kenya are the initial focus countries with additional buy-ins expected.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledges $7 billion to support Africa’s health and agriculture sectors 

On November 17, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced that it is committing an additional $7 billion in new funding to Africa over the next four years to fund projects tackling hunger, disease, poverty, and gender inequality. In speaking with students at the University of Nairobi, Bill Gates noted that the Ukraine crisis was reducing the amount of aid flowing to the continent.

G20 Summit Concludes with G20 Bali Declaration Adoption

On November 16, G20 leaders issued a common declaration at the end of the summit in which they agreed to further strengthen food and energy security, unlock further investments for low- and middle-income and other developing countries, and recommit to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, among other commitments. Leaders expressed broad support for strengthening the global health architecture, with particular support for the new Pandemic Fund, housed at the World Bank The full declaration can be viewed here. 

Global Financing Facility (GFF) releases annual report 

On November 14, Global Financing Facility (GFF) released The GFF Annual Report 2021-2022, which highlights that countries with a continued commitment to primary health care are achieving better health outcomes for women, children and adolescents. GFF’s new collaboration with USAID’s Bureau for Global Health assisted in accelerating gains in primary healthcare