IAPO statement on recent decisions affecting global health

The recent decisions by the United States (U.S.) to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), freeze existing foreign aid, and pull the country out of the United Nations Human Rights Council have sent shockwaves across the global health community. 

IAPO, the international alliance of patient organisations and a Non-State Actor in official relations with the WHO, has been advocating for patients for the last 25 years and is deeply concerned about the immediate and long-term consequences of these changes. Millions of people who rely on international collaboration to access healthcare, especially in fragile health systems, now face uncertainty over access to life-saving medicines and fundamental human rights protections.

The WHO is the backbone of global health coordination, cooperation, and security. Through its leadership in disease surveillance, health emergency response, and the development of international health guidelines, the WHO plays an irreplaceable role in protecting and promoting health worldwide. Its work is particularly crucial in supporting healthcare systems in low and middle-income countries and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.

The United States has historically been a key contributor to global health initiatives, supporting efforts to fight noncommunicable diseases and infectious disease outbreaks, and strengthening health systems to support vulnerable populations. The withdrawal from WHO and the freezing of critical development aid jeopardise programmes that ensure vaccine access, pandemic preparedness, and equitable healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, the departure from the UN Human Rights Council raises serious concerns about the protection of patients' rights, particularly those of vulnerable populations facing health inequities and financial hardship.

Latest legal developments

The recent legal battle over dismantling USAID (United States Agency for International Development) continues with significant implications for global health programs. This disruption threatens humanitarian assistance for 305 million people globally, as many organisations now face program suspensions or complete shutdowns.

The impact on global health initiatives is particularly severe, creating critical gaps in disease prevention, maternal health, and emergency response systems that other donors cannot immediately fill. Subsequent challenges to global health coordination and funding stability remain a serious concern.

IAPO reinforces its longstanding support for WHO

IAPO’s mission aligns closely with WHO's commitment to universal healthcare access and the meaningful involvement of patients and those with lived experience in health decision-making. Together, we work to advance global health equity and patient-centred care. The U.S. decisions threaten global health equity, putting millions at risk, especially in underserved regions.

IAPO calls for global solidarity to mitigate the impact of the U.S. withdrawal and ensure the patient’s voice continues to be heard loud and clear in international health forums. We urge governments, international bodies, and civil society to work together to mitigate the impact of these decisions and ensure that the role of patients’ organisations is not left behind. Now, more than ever, the global patient community needs to stand together to navigate this crisis. We invite all patient organisations to join IAPO in raising awareness about this situation, supporting the WHO's critical work, and advocating for governments to maintain their commitment to global health institutions and funding. Together, our collective voice can help protect the progress we've made and ensure continued support for vulnerable populations worldwide.

How you can take action 

In a show of solidarity and resilience amid the impact of these recent decisions, a WHO staff member launched the global fundraising initiative One Dollar, One World (1D1W) on 23 January 2025. The campaign aims to raise $1 billion to support WHO’s mission of protecting global health and ensuring stable funding in uncertain times.

So far, the initiative has raised over $158,000. You can contribute by donating just $1 and spreading the word within your network. Click here to learn more and donate now!

The Global Health Council (GHC), a membership organisation that promotes global health priorities through collaboration among advocates, implementers, policymakers, and stakeholders, is seeking impact stories, data, and visual evidence from organisations affected by the recent foreign assistance freeze. 

If your community has been affected by the aid freeze – if clinics have shut down, medicines are out of stock, or critical care has been delayed – your story needs to be heard. Share photos or videos of your experience to help drive urgent action.

Submissions can be made anonymously via this form and will support discussions with U.S. policymakers to drive urgent action.

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