IDSA President Thomas M. File, Jr., M.D, Responds to WHO Withdrawl

 

“We are disappointed in the administration's decision to abandon the WHO. America needs to join with the global scientific community in fighting the virus, not go it alone. Abandoning our seat at the table leaves the United States out of global decision-making to combat the virus and global efforts to develop and access vaccines and therapeutics, leaving us more vulnerable to COVID-19 while diminishing our position as the leader in global health. As the daily infection rates show, America has much it can learn from other parts of the world that have reduced infection and death rates. Without the WHO, the nation is at higher risk of being inadequately prepared for many health risks of pandemic proportions. It is hard to downplay how significant and short-sighted this action is.”

Thomas M. File, Jr., M.D., FIDSA — President, Infectious Diseases Society of America