Statement from The George Institute regarding US decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization

Statement on the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

The George Institute for Global Health congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris on their election victory in the United States (US).

We are encouraged by the commitment made by the President-elect for the US to re-join the World Health Organization (WHO) upon taking office on 20 January 2021.

The WHO plays a vital role in protecting and promoting health around the world, not only by coordinating the global response to infectious disease outbreaks, but through strengthening health systems, increasing access to medicines, and improving monitoring and information sharing, particularly in resource-poor settings.

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise around the world, there has never been a more important time for the US to be a member of the WHO. The pandemic reinforces the need to work together as a global community and strengthen the WHO, recognising that the need for a global health agency in our increasingly connected world is greater than ever.

Further reading