Washington, D.C. (May 3, 2012) — Across party lines, the majority of American voters support a strong role for the United States in the World Health Organization (WHO), according to new polling data released today by the United Nations Foundation and its sister organization, the Better World Campaign.
More than 9 in 10 voters say it is important for the U.S. to maintain an active role in the WHO—the coordinating authority for health within the United Nations—particularly in efforts to track and control the spread of disease and improve women’s health.
“As election-year polls continue to show the American electorate split on a wide variety of issues, a vast majority of voters agree on one issue in particular: the value of a strong U.S.-WHO relationship,” said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation. “Continued U.S. engagement in the WHO’s efforts to curb disease and ensure girls’ and women’s access to adequate health care will ensure we lead efforts to build a safer, healthier future for our children.”
The nationwide polling of American voters, conducted by noted bipartisan firms Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates, also reveals that:
- 89 percent believe the U.S. should be supportive of UN programs that improve access to vaccines and maternal health care;
- 79 percent believe the U.S. should be supportive of UN programs that provide voluntary family planning services, such as information about access to contraception.
“On issues related to global health, Americans strongly believe the United States can and should play a leading role,” said Peter Yeo, Vice President of Public Policy at the United Nations Foundation and Executive Director of the Better World Campaign. “And U.S. voters have made it clear once again that the stage for that leading American role is the United Nations, including the World Health Organization.”
For a memo detailing the full results of the polling, click here.
###
About United Nations Foundation
The United Nations Foundation builds public/private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.
About the Better World Campaign
The Better World Campaign (BWC), an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UN’s ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice. For more information, visit www.betterworldcampaign.org.
Media Contact:
info_bwc@unfoundation.org
