“We are dismayed by yesterday’s announcement by the Trump administration to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). If it stands, this decision will have a detrimental impact on the United States and countries around the world during the current crisis and for years to come.
Since its founding and with continued contribution from the U.S., WHO has been instrumental in every global effort to eradicate and reduce the impact and spread of countless infectious and non-communicable diseases around the world. During this global emergency, WHO is playing a critical and life-saving role protecting billions from the spread of COVID-19 and its harms. Diligently gathering data and information, WHO’s rapid, evidence-based analysis and technical guidance are informing the global cooperation and response needed in order to control the virus.
Withdrawing from WHO does not serve the interests of people in the United States or anywhere in the world. We need WHO, we need it to be stronger, and it can be stronger with sustained U.S. presence and funding. With support and input from the United States, WHO can continue to save and improve millions of lives as it has been doing for more than 70 years.”
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by a strong public health system. We work with governments and civil society in 73 countries to design and implement evidence-based strategies that tackle their most pressing public health problems. Our goal is to see governments adopt promising interventions at scale as rapidly as possible. To find out more, please visit vstrategystage.wpengine.com or Twitter @VitalStrat.
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Media Contact:
Christina Honeysett, Vital Strategies: choneysett@vitalstrategies.org; +1.914.424.3356