We are disturbed by the U.S. Administration’s decision to suspend funding that would protect the public from COVID-19, one of the worst health crises in a century. Halting funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) undermines the imperative of our global coordinated efforts to protect public health.
At a time when we should increase funding for public health, we are alarmed by the Administration’s determination to gut essential agencies whose activities save lives. Health Care Without Harm maintains a longstanding collaborative relationship with WHO, and we see how critical their technical expertise, guidance, and leadership is when dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, as well as protecting the health in the face of impending health crises brought on by climate change. The U.S. Administration also proposed $693 million in cuts in the FY2021 budget to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention – a lifeline for the nation’s citizens, essential businesses, and our health care workers during this pandemic.
When protecting lives should be our collective priority, we can find a sustainable path forward only by strengthening these agencies and working together. We stand in solidarity with WHO and our network of health leaders on the front lines and will advocate for secured and increased funding for these essential agencies.