World Health Organization Funding

President Trump announced on April 14, 2020, that his administration would halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) pending a review of its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. As the U.S. contributes more funds to the WHO than any other country, this move will jeopardize the organization’s ability to save lives in the most at-risk places across the globe that are trying to combat the spread of COVID-19. More specifically –the organization charged with leading the global response — administers vaccine trials, provides test kits and issues guidance on a country-specific level.

In addition to the WHO’s COVID-19 mandate, the organization’s work to address diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola has not stopped.

Take Action Now:

[bctt tweet=”@WHO is leading the charge in combating #COVID19 while tackling other diseases such as tuberculosis, Ebola, malaria and so much more. It is irresponsible and dangerous to threaten its funding in the middle of this global pandemic.” username=”borgenproject”]

We Stand Together With:

United Nations: “Now is a time for unity in the global battle to push the COVID-19 pandemic into reverse, not a time to cut the resources of the World Health Organization, which is spearheading and coordinating the global body’s efforts,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement Tuesday.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: On April 15, 2020, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that “cutting the WHO’s funding during the COVID-19 pandemic is not in U.S. interests given the organization’s critical role assisting other countries — particularly in the developing world — in their response.”

American Medical Association: Similarly, in a statement, Dr. Patrice Harris, the president of the American Medical Association said that the President’s announcement has come “during the worst public health crisis in a century.” “Cutting funding to the WHO — rather than focusing on solutions — is a dangerous move at a precarious moment for the world,” Harris went on.

More Ways to Help

Click here to Email Congress about global health funding
Click here to Email Congress about the Global Health Security Act