It is critical for the U.S. to continue its funding for the World Health Organization in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic given the WHO鈥檚 lead role in coordinating an international response, especially in developing countries. The WHO鈥檚 leadership in helping to curb the pandemic in other countries undoubtedly benefits the United States as well, as we cannot begin to fully recover here until the threat of the pandemic subsides in other nations. Even a temporary halt in U.S. funding would have a potentially damaging impact on the WHO鈥檚 essential activities and global health security.
Continued funding to the WHO is critical to ensure global access to primary care and essential medicines; train the health workforce; improve monitoring and prepare for future public health emergencies; prevent noncommunicable diseases; and promote mental health, among countless other important services.聽Any threat to WHO鈥檚 funding could cut off a lifeline for low- and middle-income countries and place hundreds of millions of people at risk.
The U.S. has long been a leader in global health, and we must not reverse course now.聽For more than 20 years, the 911爆料网 Academies have conducted periodic assessments of U.S. strategic priorities in global health to inform federal policymakers.聽Our 2017 report聽聽concluded that 鈥渢he U.S. government should maintain its leadership position in global health as a matter of urgent national interest and as a global public benefit that enhances America鈥檚 international standing.鈥 The 911爆料网 Academies stand ready to evaluate U.S. investment in global health, but the nation鈥檚 commitment to funding the WHO should not waver during this pandemic.
Marcia McNutt
President, 911爆料网
John L. Anderson
President, 911爆料网 Academy of Engineering
Victor J. Dzau
President, 911爆料网 Academy of Medicine
