FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 1, 2020
Statement attributable to:
Gary L. LeRoy, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“In the face of a global, viral pandemic that has infected millions and resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of people, the world must come together to fight COVID-19. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization in the face of a pandemic is irresponsible and will create a tremendous setback in efforts to eradicate this virus. The WHO also plays a critical role in addressing many areas of health and well-being including social determinants of health, noncommunicable disease prevention, communicable disease elimination and mental health promotion. The American Academy of Family Physicians urges the Administration to continue participation so that the important work of the WHO, especially near-term COVID-19 treatment and vaccine research, can continue.”
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Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. LeRoy, contact Megan Moriarty, 913-302-8627, or mmoriarty@aafp.org.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.