US Mission Geneva

“USAID is proud to support the critical work of domestic and international partners against TB,” said Ariel Pablos-Mendez, assistant administrator for USAID’s global health programs, at a Washington news conference unveiling the new WHO report. “We know that treating TB abroad saves lives while also saving money here at home.”

The United States and the World Health Organization (WHO) are moving to a higher level of cooperation, combining resources to help other countries boost their public health infrastructure for the good of their own people and the rest of the world.

The U.S. Government and the WHO share a commitment to strengthen cooperation in the area of global health security to ensure that the international community effectively manages public health risks. Improving the ability of all nations to detect, report, and respond to infectious diseases quickly and accurately lies at the heart of the global community’s ability to address all infectious disease threats.

The United States strongly supports the Director-General’s leadership in promoting a comprehensive reform package for the organization. We believe the future of financing discussion has sparked an important discussion on the role of WHO at the center of global health and how to ensure the organization is best placed to respond to the challenges of the 21st century.

A top U.S. health official called on the community of nations to devote resources and energy to the final eradication of the paralyzing disease of polio.

I know we share these goals with nations around the globe and our meetings this week have continued to confirm that. In the days and months ahead, I look forward to building on those relationships to make prevention and wellness a global priority.

Secretary Sebelius at Gates Foundation Meeting on Polio Eradication: “This is a global challenge. Until the disease is eradicated everywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. If we are serious about global polio eradication, we all have a role to play.”

As we continue to address challenges posed by threats likes these, the United States remains committed to the World Health Organization’s implementation of the International Health Regulations and efforts to better coordinate the global response to public health emergencies.

This is not just a health issue. The growing prevalence of chronic disease is also a major driver of rising health care costs that are putting a growing burden on government, business, and family budgets.