The 2021 Global Humanitarian Assistance Report, released last week by Development Initiatives, painted a stark but clear picture: humanitarian assistance is not rising to the challenge of COVID-19. 2020 saw a record funding gap of $18.8 billion as UN-coordinated humanitarian funding appeals were only 52% funded, according to the report. 

Within this context, the UK government’s recent proposed cut to official development assistance (ODA) becomes even more problematic. Hundreds of voices have already stressed how the cuts will negatively affect the health of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. The cuts will also impact business growth and recovery in the wake of COVID-19, worldwide. 

GBCHealth and partners are already responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries. This includes advocating for increased government health spending, with an initial focus on reversing the UK government’s proposed aid cuts. Our online campaign encourages C-level business executives based or active in the UK to add their voice to a joint letter. Signatories include leaders in television, education, communications, philanthropy, innovation and technology. 

Please join us and add your voice to the joint letter urging the UK Prime Minister to commit to returning UK aid to its previous commitment of 0.7%, and please help amplify these efforts by sharing the link to this letter with your networks.

“There are clear economic and ethical reasons for the UK not to renege on its longstanding commitment of 0.7% of GDP towards development aid, both with regard to COVID-19 and beyond,” said GBCHealth President & CEO Lesley-Anne Long. “When approached by some of our UK partners to facilitate a coordinated plea to the UK government, we not only couldn’t say no; we saw it as a vital part of our role and a clear way to engage the private sector regarding the important role global health plays within every single industry, organization and team.” 

As a global business coalition with strong UK membership, GBCHealth is delighted to have been asked to lead this appeal. The employees, customers, suppliers and the communities which make up global businesses rely on global health safety, stability and recovery.

The full letter can be found here. 

Your voice & your help matters. Thank you.