How a WHO Staff Member Turned the US Withdrawal into an Act of Solidarity

By Sandra Sorial, Director of Campaigns and Supporter Engagement, WHO Foundation

Wow. As someone whose job it is to raise funding for the World Health Organization, the announcement this week that the US would withdraw its membership and funding was a major blow. Yet, out of really difficult circumstances can come solidarity and opportunity. My personal belief has always been that in a time of crisis, we see the best in humanity and the best in us.

Yesterday, a WHO staff member approached me saying that she would like to start her own appeal to attract support and funding. I was excited and at the same time, cautious of such an ambitious target. Then I thought to myself, the best ideas come from the people who want to make things happen because they care. Tania Cernuschi, who has worked at WHO for ten years wants to raise US $1 billion by 1 billion people giving a dollar. Just one. More is always welcome! 

One Dollar, One World

One Dollar One World (1D1W) is not a slick campaign designed by professionals – it was launched within hours; Tania even says that WHO can be a challenging place to work. But WHO is also a vital force for health in the world, and it would be a huge loss to see it being starved of funding when so many of us can step up to help.  

Only WHO has the mandate to safeguard the world’s health, to track infectious disease outbreaks globally, to provide the data that underpins our flu vaccinations every winter, and to advocate for the health of everyone in the world. It procures health goods from companies all over the world, including US $50 million worth of goods a year in the US;  it takes the lead in health emergencies, aiming to assist 300 million people this year. 

I urge you to raise your index finger in solidarity with the One Dollar, One World campaign; give a dollar or more and help us show the world that WHO matters and is ours to save. 

Donate to the One Dollar, One World appeal.

Sandra Sorial is the Director of Campaigns and Supporter Engagement at the WHO Foundation. Find out more about Sandra’s work and connect with her on LinkedIn. The WHO Foundation supports the work of the World Health Organization.