Action on World Health Moves to US Amid Funding Scrutiny

Action on World Health (AoWH), co-founded by Nigel Farage, has re-registered in Delaware as a charitable foundation and grassroots non-profit. The relaunch adds a lobbyist-filled board and shifts fundraising to U.S. dollars.

The Guardian

AoWH opposes the WHO, calling it “too close to China, ‘compromised by private funding’ and ‘far left’.” Its board lists Farage (chair), Andy Wigmore, Gerry Gunster, Amanda Moslé Friedman (IP3), Greg Swenson and David Roach.

The Guardian

The Guardian’s 2024 report linked AoWH to the nicotine industry via Roach’s consulting firm, which served the Global Initiative on Novel Nicotine. Roach denies any nicotine-industry money and says donor details are confidential.

The Guardian

Since becoming an MP in July 2024, Farage has made at least ten U.S. trips. AoWH’s site now accepts payment cards and U.S. bank accounts and offers a global email-to-politicians form, but no UK option.

The Guardian

AoWH calls for replacing the WHO, alleging foreign influence and private-funding bias. The United States left the WHO under former President Donald Trump.

The Guardian

The World Health Organization has accused AoWH of spreading misinformation about its pandemic-preparedness treaty. Roach reiterated AoWH receives no nicotine-industry funding and cited confidentiality for the missing donor list. A Spotlight on Corruption spokesperson urged stricter rules on MPs’ side jobs. AoWH, Reform UK and Roach declined comment.

The Guardian

Spotlight on Corruption said the move shows tighter regulation of MPs’ external work is needed. The Guardian’s earlier report highlighted undisclosed nicotine-industry ties, questioning AoWH’s transparency.

The Guardian

Roach’s denial of nicotine-industry financing conflicts with the Guardian’s 2024 findings. The WHO’s misinformation claim lacks public detail, and AoWH’s donor list remains undisclosed, creating a transparency gap.

The Guardian

• “It said: “Adults should be treated like adults, instead of the WHO bullying countries into treating its citizens like children through excessive regulations on food, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and vaping products that are 95% less harmful than smoking.” — Action on World Health manifesto

The Guardian

• “This shows how urgently stricter rules on MPs’ second jobs and side hustles are needed. It is disappointing that there has been so little progress on this so far despite this being a major manifesto commitment.” — Spotlight on Corruption spokesperson

The Guardian

• “compromised by private funding” — Action on World Health statement

The Guardian

• “He said Action on World Health did not have a public list of funders because that would breach confidentiality.” — David Roach

The Guardian

Calls for stricter oversight of MPs’ side work are expected to rise, and continued media scrutiny could force further donor disclosures.

The Guardian