Target: Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Goal: Reaffirm commitment to World Health Organization’s global mission and objectives.
A particularly severe and virulent flu strain that has made its rounds across the planet has reinforced the reality that dangerous diseases recognize no borders. The need for global healthcare partnerships is what inspired the creation of the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its inception, WHO has counted almost every nation on earth among its members, with the United States often playing a crucial leadership role. That is, until 2026, when the Trump administration announced America’s withdrawal from the world’s most prominent international health organization.
The withdrawal came with over 130 million dollars in unpaid dues: funds that are used to support research, medication development, and outreach initiatives around the world. The loss of US support will deal a serious blow to global efforts to treat and contain some of the planet’s worst diseases, from Ebola to polio. And the impact on Americans could prove to be worst of all. The United States will likely lose access to critical data used to track emerging epidemics and pandemics. Without this data, hospitals will be less prepared, and researchers will have fewer resources to create efficient and effective treatments.
Sign the petition below to call on leaders to resist attempts to treat healthcare like a political football.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Hochul,
“In my opinion, it’s the most ruinous presidential decision in my lifetime.” A Georgetown University public health expert had this blunt and damning assessment for the recent U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization. From outbreak prevention to vaccine development, this decision will have widespread consequences not only in America but across the world.
Since the withdrawal, WHO has wasted precious time that could be spent on combating global ailments in defending itself from baseless and untrue attacks from American leadership. California has pushed back by rejoining WHO’s Global Outbreak and Response Network. As the leader of a state that has already endured the tragedies of a lagging public health response, you have an opportunity to make a similar strong statement and to be a leader for all states. Please reaffirm New York’s partnership with WHO and its support for global health.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Jubair Bin
