The GMRLN plays an important role in identifying outbreaks early and providing the necessary support to control them.
If the past few years have taught anything, it’s the importance of being prepared for infectious disease outbreaks. While the world is still dealing with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, experts are already watching for the next potential pandemic. However, recent changes in funding priorities in the United States is putting an important outbreak watchdog organization at risk.
The Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) monitors outbreaks across the globe and quickly identifies whether measles is the culprit and helps identify which supplies and services should be deployed to the area. Historically, one of the GMRLN’s largest funders has been the US CDC. However, the current administration has significantly reduced funding, which could result in labs located in critical areas across the globe shutting down.
The WHO Foundation, an independent global organization that helps connect donors with the World Health Organization (WHO), announced an emergency fundraising appeal for the GMRLN. According to the foundation, the GMRLN requires a total of $22 million-a-year to maintain its global network. In order to make up for the US funding decrease, the foundation aims to raise $3.6 million to maintain operations of facilities in high-risk areas.
In a press release, WHO Foundation CEO Anil Soni said, “Every contribution helps keep this essential global surveillance network operational. This is an opportunity to protect families, children, and health systems everywhere from preventable outbreaks. Right now, every dollar will have twice the impact."
Soni also said, “This is a moment for collective action. We are inviting philanthropies, companies, and health leaders to join us. Every new donor brings us closer to unlocking the full match and protecting the world's most vulnerable children."
Dr. Kate O’Brien, director of WHO’s department of immunization, vaccines, and biologicals, also said, “Measles is more than a virus; it's a warning light. When outbreaks appear, it signals that health systems are struggling to reach people, track disease, and close immunity gaps. GMRLN doesn't just tell us where measles is—it's a critical barometer of how well immunization systems are working to protect everyone from all vaccine-preventable diseases. Without it, the world is flying blind. And in today's world—where measles knows no borders—that kind of vulnerability doesn't stay contained. Global health security is domestic health security."
ELMA Philanthropies’ president Robyn Calder added, “Investing in GMRLN is one of the most efficient ways to save lives and strengthen global health systems. We hope others will join us. The time to act, and to protect this network and the children it serves, is now."
The WHO Foundation regularly launches fundraising efforts to support the WHO. In October of last year, the foundation pledged $1 billion in support of the WHO and its goal of saving 40 million lives over four years.2
In a press release issued at the time, Soni explained, “We have an opportunity to make health more equitable, creating systems that are united and resilient against shared threats like climate change, outbreaks, and rising mental health issues. We've engaged companies across industries and philanthropies from around the world to power WHO's lifesaving work, bringing the public and private sectors together."
