Why WHO is important and why IBFAN is a ‘critical friend’
The USA announced its intention to withdraw from WHO on 20th January As a ‘critical friend’ of WHO for nearly 50 years, we consider this to be worrying, not only for global health but for those living in the USA.
Much of IBFAN’s work protecting infant and young child health has centred on encouraging all governments adopt WHO recommendations that protect children and families from harmful marketing practices. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981, was the first global consumer protection tool of its kind and its implementation in law in over 100 countries has protected and saved the millions of lives.
At a time when poverty rates, economic disparity, conflicts and hunger are rising, WHO recommendations are an important now as they ever were. As the world’s highest health policy-setting body, WHO must be adequately funded – ideally from assessed Member States contributions and untied voluntary contributions carefully screened for Conflicts of Interest. This is essential in order to protect WHO’s independence, integrity and trustworthiness, allowing it to fulfil its constitutional mandate and three essential core functions without compromise. These are to:
• act as the directing and coordinating authority in international health work (Art.2a)• propose conventions, agreements and regulations…. (Art.2k)• assist in developing an informed public opinion among all peoples on matters of health(Art. 2r)
Wemos LinkedIn post on USA withdrawing from WHO:
Because diseases do not stop at borders, we need international cooperation to protect us all from threats to our health. Yet the USA intends to withdraw from the World Health Organization, a decision that can put global health at risk.
The WHO has an important role in building and sharing knowledge, establishing guidelines in healthcare, advising governments and combating infectious diseases. As the only international health body that represents (almost) all countries, it enables countries to inform each other about local outbreaks and share information on pathogens as soon as possible. This ensures that good diagnostics and medicines can be developed on the largest possible scale and adequately respond to local outbreaks, preventing them to become a pandemic.
The decision by the USA to withdraw from the WHO is very worrisome. The country is one of the founders and the largest funders, contributing around 20 per cent of the WHO budget.
The WHO has been underfunded for years. Further stripping its budget and staff will reduce its capacity to detect new viruses in an early stage and to effectively respond to disease outbreaks. Think of mpox and the bird flu. Moreover, it will reduce their capacity to eradicate polio, support maternal and child health programmes, and develop guidelines for treatment of health conditions, including cancer and mental health, to name just a few.
No one country can safeguard our health alone. To guarantee health for all, we need to work together at a global scale. 🌍
WITHDRAWING THE UNITED STATES FROM THE WORLD
HEALTH ORGANIZATION
EXECUTIVE ORDER. January 20, 2025
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/withdrawing-the-united-states-from-the-worldhealth-organization/
Uncharted territory for the WHO if Trump withdraws US membership