On January 28, ACOFP joined a stakeholder letter to President Trump expressing concern about the Administration’s decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO). ACOFP was joined in this action by more than a hundred other stakeholders, including many other medical societies, religious organizations, and advocates for health issues ranging from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to HIV/AIDS. In this letter, ACOFP and its cosigners emphasized the importance of the US remaining a global leader in public health for the good of both Americans and the world at large.
The World Health Organization works with over 150 nations to detect, prevent, and combat deadly diseases, on a fraction of the budget of some US state departments of health. Every month, the agency provides critical intelligence, analyzing over 100,000 health threat alerts, any one of which could become the next pandemic.
ACOFP and its cosigners also emphasized the impact of WHO on the US economy and the American people. “In 2023 alone, WHO and the UN bought $812 million in medicines and other health products from the United States--more than any other country and nearly twice as much as America contributed to WHO that year. These investments support American jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to our national economic strength.”
WHO, and America’s strong role within it, have created massive public health successes. The letter highlighted the impact America’s leadership has had on WHO. “With America at the forefront, WHO has conquered some of humanity’s biggest killers, eradicating smallpox, eliminating polio in 145 countries, and declaring 44 countries and territories malaria-free.” WHO also works with the private sector and premier U.S. research institutions to approve safe and effective medical products for the global market, and monitors and alerts the world to the spread of substandard or counterfeit medicines.
The US has also influenced WHO to implement major reforms that have transformed the agency’s accountability, cost-effectiveness, and country impact. “Simply put, America’s national health, economic, and security interests are best served by leading WHO from within.”
The letter concluded by expressing the cosigner’s willingness to support the Administration in rejoining WHO. “We stand ready to support your Administration’s efforts to engage with WHO to advance America’s health security and ensure our nation’s priorities remain at the forefront of the institution.”
ACOFP remains committed to our official advocacy priorities, designed to support our members and the profession as a whole, as well as the health of our patients. See our priorities here.
Read the Full Letter
