Keep Politics out of Funding Decisions for Medical Research and Public Health

Abstract

At this time of deep human tragedy and economic disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic and of political upheaval inmany countries, the headlines change quickly, and politically motivated mandates of great importance can fail to generate the attention that they deserve. We have therefore highlighted two recent decisions by the White House that are profoundly misguided. Indeed, they seem the worst possible choices as we grapple with an overwhelming pandemic. But these choices can be reversed. We urge President Trump to 1) reinstate and work with Congress to increase funding for essential research on coronaviruses to help us develop new tools and strategies to address current and future pandemics, and 2) continue the country’s long-standing relationship with the WHO, offering full financial support and cooperation for this essential international body. More broadly, we implore our elected officials at every level of government to keep politics out of decisions regarding medical research and public health. The health of Americans and of the population of our planet must not be a bargaining chip used to seek political gains or deflect accountability. Rather, health is an indisputable human right. As we fight the worst respiratory pandemic of the last century, it is foolhardy to limit support for the best research and the best public health institutions that are working to stem the pandemic.