WASHINGTON —  The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) stand with front-line pharmacists around the world who are caring for patients and rely heavily on the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 global crisis. Global efforts for patient care support and access to safe and quality medical products, among other support, are essential and cannot be compromised.

“It’s important now, more than ever, that communities and health professionals across the globe work together to continue to understand and mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Not having the United States influence and support WHO could be detrimental to the health of patients around the world during this immediate crisis, and as we prepare for future pandemics,” said Scott Knoer, APhA executive vice president and CEO.

“FIP has been in official relations with the WHO since 1948 and has made considerable strides in our partnership to expand the roles of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in improving global well-being and health and safe access to medicines,” said Catherine Duggan, FIP chief executive officer. “The experiences and support of the U.S. government and practitioners have significantly shaped the work and collaboration opportunities emanating from the WHO, especially during COVID-19.”

We strongly urge the U.S. government to reconsider its withdrawal from the WHO and support collaborative efforts in the global fight against COVID-19. We applaud the work and dedication of individual practitioners, organizations, communities and governments worldwide in their efforts to mitigate, contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19.