Statement: World Obesity Federation stands by WHO

World Obesity Federation stands by WHO and calls for government cohesion to address COVID-19 and other global health priorities during these uncertain times

The mandate of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support global health is vital and now, more than ever, their coordinating role and calm leadership is needed. The role of WHO in saving lives, protecting economies and minimising the long-term consequences of this pandemic is irreplaceable. To withdraw committed funding at this time harms everyone, everywhere.

As the pandemic spreads into vulnerable countries which are ill-equipped to address COVID-19, the WHO will be essential to support the already fragile health systems and protect the most vulnerable. Without secure funding, lives are at risk.

Data from around the world indicates that NCDs present a high risk of severe outcomes and deaths amongst people who are affected by COVID-19. Increasingly, we are also seeing worse outcomes amongst people living with obesity. These trends are reflected in the requests for specific support and guidance that WHO is receiving from UN, governments and civil society alike. This highlights the need for WHO to not only lead global action on COVID-19, but to strengthen its commitment to addressing global health issues such as obesity, nutrition and NCDs in order to support country resilience and preparedness for this and future pandemics. World Obesity Federation is proud to be in official relations with WHO and will continue to work closely with them to address obesity and support people living with obesity throughout this pandemic and beyond. 

These are challenging and uncertain times for all us and more than ever we need to be working together and prioritising the health of all people everywhere. A global pandemic is not the time to withdraw vital funding – indeed, we should be looking to provide more support than ever in order to get through this crisis in a coordinated and unified way.