Nigel Farage’s campaign against the World Health Organization (WHO) is crossing the Atlantic. The Action on World Health group, co-founded by the Reform UK leader, is relocating to the United States as a charitable foundation. This move raises questions about why a British MP is now deeply involved in an American pressure group targeting global health governance.
The campaign is being re-registered in the US state of Delaware. It has added new board members, including Farage’s longtime friend and Brexit campaigner Andy Wigmore, and American lobbyist Gerry Gunster, who worked on Farage’s 2016 Leave campaign. Farage serves as the honorary chair of the organization.
Why Is the WHO Under Attack?
The Action on World Health campaign claims the WHO is “compromised by private funding,” too close to China, and “far left.” The group is pushing for the WHO to be replaced entirely. Under former US President Donald Trump, the United States has already withdrawn from the WHO, which coordinates global responses to pandemics and other health threats.
According to the WHO, the organization relies on member contributions and voluntary donations to fund its work. Critics like Farage argue that the WHO overreaches in areas like food regulation and vaping. The group’s manifesto opposes what it calls “excessive regulation” on vaping, stating that adults should be treated as adults.
New Board Members and US Connections
The US-based board now includes Amanda Moslé Friedman, a US businesswoman and associate of Farage who works for nuclear technology company IP3. Also on the board is Greg Swenson, the chair of Republicans Overseas UK. The group’s website now solicits donations in US dollars and allows people worldwide to email their politicians about the WHO—but notably excludes an option for UK residents.
Farage has made at least 10 trips to the US since becoming an MP in July 2024. This transatlantic focus suggests the campaign is targeting American donors and political influence, especially given the current US administration’s hostility toward the WHO.
Links to the Nicotine Industry
In 2024, the Guardian revealed that Action on World Health had links to the nicotine industry. The group’s other co-founder is David Roach, a Reform UK local election candidate. His company, David Roach Consulting, previously provided secretariat services to the Global Initiative on Novel Nicotine, which advocates for nicotine pouches and other products. Roach’s company also lobbied on behalf of a vaping company called ANDS.
The group’s manifesto, released before the 2024 UK election, opposed “excessive regulation” on vaping, arguing that vaping products are “95% less harmful than smoking.” Roach stated that no vaping or novel nicotine companies were providing funding to Action on World Health, and that his consulting firm was not being paid for its services. He said the group does not have a public list of funders due to confidentiality agreements.
What This Means for Global Health
The relocation of this campaign to the US could amplify anti-WHO sentiment in a country that has already left the organization. The WHO plays a critical role in coordinating responses to health emergencies like COVID-19, monkeypox, and future pandemics. Experts warn that undermining the WHO could weaken global preparedness for the next health crisis.
Farage’s involvement in a US-based pressure group while serving as a UK MP has drawn criticism. His unpaid role at the organization was only belatedly declared to the MPs’ register of interests in 2024. The move also raises questions about foreign funding and influence in UK politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Action on World Health campaign?
The Action on World Health campaign is a pressure group co-founded by Nigel Farage that aims to replace the World Health Organization. It claims the WHO is too close to China, compromised by private funding, and overly regulatory on issues like vaping and food.
Why is the campaign moving to the US?
The campaign is relocating to Delaware as a charitable foundation to target American donors and political influence. Farage has spent significant time in the US since becoming an MP, and the group now solicits donations in US dollars.
What are the links between the campaign and the nicotine industry?
Co-founder David Roach’s consulting firm previously worked with the Global Initiative on Novel Nicotine and a vaping company called ANDS. The group’s manifesto opposes excessive regulation on vaping, which aligns with the interests of the nicotine industry.
