Key facts
- Nigel Farage's campaign against the World Health Organization (WHO) is relocating to the US.
- The campaign, Action on World Health, is establishing itself in Delaware as a charitable foundation.
- Brexit campaigner Andy Wigmore and US lobbyist Gerry Gunster have joined the board.
- The group is now soliciting donations via US bank accounts and payment cards.
- The campaign opposes the WHO, citing concerns over its closeness to China and private funding.
- The US previously withdrew from the WHO under Donald Trump.
Nigel Farage's campaign against the World Health Organization (WHO) is relocating to the United States, establishing itself in Delaware as a charitable foundation and grassroots non-profit. The campaign, titled Action on World Health, has added key allies to its board, including Farage's friend and Brexit campaigner Andy Wigmore, and American lobbyist Gerry Gunster, who previously worked on Farage's EU referendum campaign.
Farage serves as the honorary chair of Action on World Health, which advocates for the replacement of the WHO, alleging it is too close to China, compromised by private funding, and aligned with 'far left' ideologies. The group's move to the US and appeal for donations in dollars follows Farage's frequent visits to the country since becoming an MP in July 2024. The campaign's website now accepts payments via US bank accounts and payment cards, and includes a form for global citizens to contact their politicians regarding the WHO.
Under Donald Trump, the US had previously withdrawn from the WHO. The Action on World Health board also includes US businesswoman Amanda Moslé Friedman and Greg Swenson, chair of Republicans Overseas UK. The campaign's co-founder, David Roach, has faced scrutiny due to his company's past lobbying for vaping companies and advocacy against 'excessive regulation' on products like vaping, alcohol, and food. Roach stated that no vaping or novel nicotine companies were funding Action on World Health, and his company was not being paid for its services. He also cited confidentiality for not disclosing funders.
Farage launched the group in May 2024, and his unpaid role was later declared to the MPs’ register of interests. The WHO has previously accused Action on World Health of spreading misinformation regarding its international treaty on pandemic preparedness. A spokesperson for Spotlight on Corruption highlighted the need for stricter rules on MPs' second jobs.