Blog - WHO and PEPFAR are good. Leaving them is bad. Any questions?

Abstract

In the words of Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler from Donald Trump’s favorite television show, “Really!?!”

Shortly after noon Eastern time in Washington, Donald Trump gave his inaugural address. In it, he proclaimed his desire “to free the Earth from the miseries of disease.” That’s not a bad sentiment. Health is important, the US has played a major role in developing and funding the global health system that currently exists, and there are a host of health challenges that continue to bedevil the world. Trump has made ambiguous statements about his global health commitments in the past, so this is seemingly a good sign. Right?

Less than two days later, news comes out that Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) introduced H.R. 193 to the House of Representatives on January 3rd. Named the American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2017, the bill would end the US’ membership in the United Nations and deny any funding to the UN and its affiliated organization. It also specifically cites that the United States would, if H.R. 193 passed, withdraw from the World Health Organization. Show more