Republican lawmakers questioned Health and Human Services, United States Agency for International Development, and State Department officials who testified about the United States integration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a congressional hearing titled “Reforming the WHO: Ensuring Global Health Security and Accountability” on Dec. 13, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) raised critical questions about the United States’ continued support for the WHO amidst concerns about its handling of COVID-19 investigations and potential compliance with Chinese narratives.
As one of the WHO’s top donors, contributing approximately $700 million in 2020 and 2021, with over 65 percent being voluntary, the United States holds a significant stake in the organization’s operations. In December 2021, the Biden administration pledged an additional $280 million to combat COVID-19 and provide urgent relief, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently and transparently.
During the hearing, Ms. Malliotakis expressed apprehension about the WHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing delays in acknowledging human-to-human transmission and reluctance to implement critical measures.
She highlighted a concerning level of influence granted to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including veto power over the inclusion of American scientists and the ability to edit and alter final reports.
“And then, when we pushed for an investigation into the origins, the CCP was given full veto power over the inclusion of American Scientists. The communist Chinese vetoed the three Americans put forward by our government to be an investigative body, and the CCP was given full power to edit and alter the final reports.”
Moving to question the panelists, Ms. Malliotakis queried, “I’m compelled to ask the question ... how do you justify continuing our support for the WHO, given their debatable handling of COVID-19 investigations and apparent compliance with misleading communist Chinese narratives?”
Addressing Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs, Ms. Malliotakis questioned the justification for continued U.S. support given these challenges.
Ms. Pace acknowledged the need for reforms, citing ongoing efforts to influence change within the WHO. She pointed to the establishment of the Standing Committee on Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, where the United States holds a seat, as a step toward better oversight.
In response to Ms. Malliotakis’ concerns about the effectiveness of having a seat at the table, Ms. Pace emphasized the leadership’s commitment to reforms. However, the representative underscored broader issues with international organizations infiltrated by bad actors, calling for concrete actions beyond monetary contributions.
John Nkengasong, Ambassador-at-Large, Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, spoke to an attempt to implement practical steps to make the WHO effective.
He mentioned the member states’ task force on strengthening WHO’s budgets and covenants, with about 67 out of 96 actions implemented at this time. Mr. Nkengasong highlighted ongoing efforts to pressure the WHO into delivering a return on investment in terms of required actions.
Ms. Malliotakis, skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, expressed the need to halt funding until tangible changes occur within international institutions like the WHO. The conversation highlighted the challenges the United States faces in balancing financial contributions with the demand for accountability and reforms, especially in the face of growing Chinese influence.
As the debate continues, questions linger about the future of U.S. support for the WHO and the broader issue of reforming international organizations entangled in geopolitical complexities.
