Like many other Canadians and people around the world, over the past several weeks we have watched with deep concern as global health has been rocked by the pause in US investments, including the dismantling of USAID, and its withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
As a result of this, critical gaps in healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities have been amplified, limiting access to essential healthcare for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
For over 75 years, the World Health Organization has been providing leadership in global health policy, disease control, pandemic preparedness, health system strengthening, and emergency prevention and response. We are concerned about the impact of the US withdrawal on the WHO’s ability to perform these essential functions.
Across the globe, UN agencies, government bodies, charities, NGOs, and other bilateral partnerships provide essential resources, build local capacity, and drive sustainable development in vulnerable communities. Effect Hope is proud to be one of these organizations, responding to opportunities to create a better future for all. USAID has been an essential partner in the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that we have been grateful to work alongside.
At Effect Hope, we have been working in global health for over 130 years. The events of the past few weeks have already created more challenges in many of the places we work and across the developing world, and we are just beginning to understand the implications.
These gaps will undoubtedly continue to grow and filling them will be a significant challenge with a massive impact on real people. People who have lost access to critical healthcare and medication, and families already struggling to meet basic needs. We are convinced that countless lives will be profoundly impacted.
As Canada’s largest organization exclusively focused on NTDs, we know that in times of scarcity, marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. Health disparities worsen when medical care becomes less accessible, and those in low-wage, precarious jobs with little security are often the first to be impacted during economic downturns. We cannot stand idly by in the face of these realities.
This is a critical time for collaboration. It is time for Canada and other countries to make global public health a priority, invest in filling crucial funding gaps, and provide leadership to drive political will and investment today and in the future.
Hard-won gains are at risk without action.
