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Dear Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
On behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC), I am writing to express our deep concern that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is facing threats of discontinued financial support for the valuable and needed work you do. In an era marked by unprecedented global health crises, WHO's leadership and coordination remain indispensable to safeguarding public health, strengthening health systems, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare worldwide. We stand in solidarity with WHO and its dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to protect lives and improve health outcomes globally. We express our unwavering support for the World Health Organization (WHO).
With over 50 years of being in an official relationship with the WHO, WCC and its 352 member churches in more than 120 countries and territories worldwide, representing almost 600 million people globally, reiterate our appreciation and support for the work of WHO. Specific focuses of our collaboration have included primary healthcare, promotion of breastfeeding, access to essential drugs, addressing HIV, and responding to pandemics and outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19.
Despite budgetary constraints, WHO has demonstrated remarkable resilience in responding to global health challenges, strengthening disease surveillance, supporting health systems in low and middle-income countries, and advancing universal health coverage. The world has witnessed the invaluable impact of WHO's initiatives, from the fight against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases to tackling non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health. These efforts must continue without disruption.
More than ever, WHO requires and merits financial and political support from member states, international organisations, and the global community. We commit to mobilising our member churches and wider faith communities to urge their respective governments and stakeholders to recognise the critical role of WHO in shaping global health security and to ensure that funding remains stable and sufficient for the organisation to fulfil its mandate effectively. Investing in WHO is investing in a healthier, safer, and more equitable world for all.
We share WHO's mission of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. We are committed to mobilising faith communities for a sustainable, evidence-informed health policies and responses at country level in partnership with WHO. Through these efforts, more people will benefit from universal health coverage, be better protected from health emergencies, and enjoy better health and well-being. Consequently, let us not be deterred or distracted by the challenges we face in fulfilling our mission and calling to make the world a better place for all people and creation.
Your sincerely,
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
