Global Health Council Urges Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawal from WHO
Global Health Council (GHC) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement of its intention to terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2020) – WHO plays a vital role not only in the current COVID-19 pandemic, but in helping countries around the world prevent, treat, and protect their citizens from public health threats. WHO is especially important in low-resource humanitarian settings with limited health infrastructure. Further, they serve as the global coordinator of efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments, train millions of health workers based on the latest evidence and best practices, and have already secured millions of vital supplies to help combat COVID-19.
GHC continues to encourage WHO leadership to adopt various reforms that would improve operations and outcomes. The Director-General has been vocal in his positive response to those and other recommendations. According to GHC’s President and Executive Director, Loyce Pace, “WHO provides critical leadership, expertise, and resources to countries around the world who may not otherwise have the tools to protect the health of their citizens. We must condemn this move to withdraw support to an organization which provides life-saving aid to so many. Additionally, we must insist the administration reconsider its position and continue to work with WHO leadership to implement meaningful reform.”
Withdrawing support harms not only the global response against COVID-19 but will also weaken the response against other major health threats that matter to Americans. The bulk of U.S. funds to the WHO help save lives and give hope to populations around the world facing diseases like polio, measles, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Pace added, “the American people have always understood the benefits of essential investments in global public health, here at home and abroad. The U.S. led the creation of the WHO for a reason. We cannot lose sight of that now.”
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About Global Health Council
Established in 1972, Global Health Council (GHC) is the leading membership organization supporting and connecting advocates, implementers, and stakeholders around global health priorities worldwide. GHC represents the collaborative voice of the community on key issues; we convene stakeholders around key priorities and actively engage with decision makers to influence global health policy. Learn more at www.globalhealth.org. Global Health Council published “A Guide to U.S. Investments in Global Health: Transforming Communities Worldwide,” comprehensive consensus recommendations available at www.ghbb.globalhealth.org.
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