Advocacy Updates ~ July 13, 2020
WHO Advocacy
On July 6, the United States Government moved forward with the termination of its relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO). Please access our WHO Advocacy Page for the most up-to-date information about the global health community’s efforts to support the work of the WHO and urging the Trump Administration to reconsider the decision.
Global Health Council released a statement following this disheartening news. Read our full statement here. #WeNeedWHO
Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) Announced
In remarks to Member States, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced an Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) to evaluate the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel will be led by: former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The co-chairs will choose other Panel members as well as members of an independent secretariat to provide support. Dr. Tedros proposed a Special Session of the Executive Board be called in September to discuss the Panel’s progress. In November, the Panel will present an interim report at the resumption of the World Health Assembly.
How to Take Action
Share your voice on social media using the suggested messages in this social media toolkit to tell your community and decision-makers that you stand with WHO. We recommend using a desktop browser for optimal usage.
Congressional News
House Appropriations
On July 9, the full House Appropriations Committee considered the fiscal year (FY) 2021 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) bill. The Committee report is linked here, for additional information. In the SFOPs bill, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s global health programs saw a 2% increase compared to FY20 enacted levels. Also, the Labor, Health, and Human Services bill passed out of subcommittee on July 7. This bill saw a 1.2% increase overall.
Administration News
USAID Acting on the Call: Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths Report
USAID’s annual report will be launched virtually on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. In honor of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, this year’s report is dedicated to recognizing the heroic efforts of nurses, midwives, and other health care providers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.