US freeze of WHO funding ‘could cause significant damage’
© WHO / L. Cipriani
Frontline AIDS has voiced serious concern at the Trump administration's decision to freeze US Government funding for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Responding to the news, Christine Stegling, Executive Director at Frontline AIDS said:
“Freezing World Health Organization funding during one of the most urgent public health crises in living memory is breathtakingly short-sighted. The Trump administration is playing politics when lives are at stake.
“The WHO has been at the forefront of promoting community-based responses to HIV and AIDS and is an essential partner in efforts to tackle the global HIV prevention crisis. It has also been a driving force in ensuring essential healthcare reaches the most marginalised groups in society, including those most at risk of HIV, too often ignored by national governments.
“US Government support has been instrumental in driving progress on a range of health issues in low and middle income countries, including HIV and AIDS. Removing that support at such a critical moment could cause significant damage to global health for generations to come. Collaboration is vital. We welcome statements by the UK and others affirming their continued support for the WHO, and we strongly urge the US Government to resume funding.”
Further comment
If you would like further comment on this story, or to arrange an interview, please email media@frontlineaids.org.
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