The World Medical Association Calls for Sustained Global Support of the World Health Organization

The World Medical Association (WMA) strongly urges maintaining robust support for the World Health Organization, emphasizing its critical importance as a functional global health agency. Though it certainly needs strategic improvements, the WHO represents the primary international mechanism for coordinating global health initiatives and addressing worldwide health challenges.

“The WMA urges global leadership, particularly major economic powers, to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the WHO through sustained financial support and constructive engagement. The WHO remains our most essential instrument for addressing global health challenges. While reform is imperative, withdrawal or diminished support would critically compromise international health security.”, stated Dr. Ashok Philip, WMA President.

The WMA specifically urges states to remain committed to the WHO, contribute to constructive dialogue about organizational improvements, and ensure consistent and fair funding for critical global health programs. “The announced exit of the United States from WHO will not only leave a huge budget hole, it will more importantly produce a significant political vacuum, which may have far more negative impact than just the decline in funds. Instead of disengagement, our Nations should empower the WHO to serve as the most comprehensive mechanism for international health coordination, disease prevention, and emergency response,” Dr Philip concluded.

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