WCC NEWS: WCC expresses appreciation, solidarity, and support for World Health Organization

In a letter to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is facing threats of discontinued financial support.  H.E. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 20 February 2025 “In an era marked by unprecedented global health crises, WHO's leadership and coordination remain indispensable to safeguarding public health, strengthening health systems, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare worldwide,” wrote Pillay. “We stand in solidarity with WHO and its dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to protect lives and improve health outcomes globally.” The letter expresses the WCC’s unwavering support for the World Health Organization. “With over 50 years of being in an official relationship with the WHO, WCC and its 352 member churches in more than 120 countries and territories worldwide, representing over 580 million people globally, reiterate our appreciation and for the work of WHO,” wrote Pillay. “Specific focuses of our collaboration have included primary healthcare, promotion of breastfeeding, access to essential drugs, addressing HIV, and responding to pandemics and outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19.” Despite budgetary constraints, Pillay noted, WHO has demonstrated remarkable resilience in responding to global health challenges, strengthening disease surveillance, supporting health systems in low and middle-income countries, and advancing universal health coverage.  “More than ever, WHO requires and merits financial and political support from member states, international organisations, and the global community,” wrote Pillay. “We commit to mobilising our member churches and wider faith communities to urge their respective governments and stakeholders to recognise the critical role of WHO in shaping global health security and to ensure that funding remains stable and sufficient for the organisation to fulfil its mandate effectively.” Link to the full letter See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland