Nigel Farage's campaign against the World Health Organization (WHO), known as Action on World Health, is shifting into high gear across the Atlantic. A move that raises pressing questions about accountability and transparency back in the UK, where its leader holds public office.
The organisation, which has rebranded itself as a charitable foundation and grassroots non-profit in Delaware, sees Reform UK's leader Farage serving as honorary chair. His vocal criticism of the WHO centres on its perceived alignment with China, its reliance on private funding, and what he claims are 'far left' ideologies.
Farage's long-time associate Andy Wigmore has joined the board of Action on World Health alongside American lobbyist Gerry Gunster, who worked closely with Farage during his 2016 EU referendum campaign. The group's US relocation follows Farage's frequent travel to America since becoming an MP in July 2024 – a total of at least 10 trips.
The decision to solicit donations in US dollars has sparked concerns about the campaign's funding transparency, particularly amid reports linking it to the nicotine industry. Co-founder David Roach, who also ran as a Reform UK local election candidate, previously lobbied on behalf of a vaping company and provided secretariat services to organisations advocating for nicotine pouches.
Spotlight on Corruption highlighted the broader implications: "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." Farage's unpaid role at Action on World Health was belatedly declared to the MPs' register of interests late last year.
The WHO has previously accused Action on World Health of spreading misinformation about its international treaty aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness. As the campaign gains traction in the US, scrutiny is mounting over why a UK public figure remains involved with an American pressure group that challenges a crucial global health authority.