Ending support for medical organisations puts the world at risk

We read with interest and deep concern the Correspondence from Arlene King and colleagues¹ regarding the decision of some countries to stop (or delay) financing of WHO and, by default, the health organisations that depend on it, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Although we do acknowledge the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and how this unprecedented situation has affected not only the health of people living in the Americas but also the fragile economies, reducing the ability of health organisations to help to manage endemic, pandemic, and neglected tropical diseases by stopping financing of these organisations is a reason for global concern.

The Inter-American Society of Cardiology (IASC), representing each cardiovascular society from Canada to Argentina, the Caribbean, and Spain, stands up for PAHO and makes a call for an urgent review of this decision, with the ultimate goal to avoid PAHO going insolvent soon. Over more than 100 years, PAHO has been key in the articulation of solutions for multiple endemic and pandemic diseases. The continent needs PAHO's articulated strategies to continue fighting not only COVID-19 but also other devastating diseases affecting the Americas, particularly Latin America.

IASC makes a call to action to our member countries. We all share the responsibility of joining PAHO in their claim for the outstanding contributions needed to survive after September, 2020. In IASC, we believe that working together is the best way to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in our beloved continent. These are times to stand up for each other: PAHO is the organisation that ensures our wellbeing by protecting our global health. Let them know how much we value their essential work.