IBME among co-signatories of open letter in support of World Health Organization
Prof. Dr. Dr. Nikola Biller-Andorno is among the signatories of an open letter in support of the World Health Organization (WHO), aligning the IBME with the call for sustained investment in global public health. The letter, endorsed by directors of WHO Collaborating Centres around the globe, warns of the severe consequences following the abrupt halt of international health funding.
The letter emphasizes that this funding freeze threatens millions of lives, undermines essential health services, and violates fundamental bioethical principles such as equity, human rights, and universality—values enshrined in WHO's constitution. Over 80% of WHO country offices, the letter states, have experienced significant program disruptions, particularly in humanitarian aid, emergency response, disease surveillance, and access to basic care, including vaccination and maternal health services.
The IBME joins a growing international call to reject the misguided belief that cutting public health budgets will lead to cost savings. Evidence shows that such cuts result in long-term economic losses and increased vulnerability to disease outbreaks. In signing the letter, Prof. Dr. Dr. Biller-Andorno underlines IBME’s commitment to supporting WHO’s constitutional mandate and the broader ethical imperative to protect the health and dignity of populations worldwide.