Tuesday, February 11, 2025
HomeHealth & ClimateWHO responds to a critical essay with a defense

WHO responds to a critical essay with a defense

“Response to Ashish Jha’s Call for WHO Reform: Setting the Record Straight”

The response to Ashish Jha’s article calling for the U.S. to reform the World Health Organization (WHO) rather than leave it has sparked a debate on the organization’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Maria Van Kerkhove, the interim director of the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management at WHO, has responded to Jha’s claims, pointing out what she sees as inaccuracies and misrepresentations in his argument.

Van Kerkhove begins by addressing Jha’s assertion that WHO mismanaged the Covid-19 pandemic. She defends the organization’s response, stating that WHO provided information based on the available evidence at the time and updated its guidance as new information emerged. She also highlights WHO’s multiyear response to the pandemic and the complexities involved in dealing with a novel pathogen.

Regarding Jha’s criticism that WHO is quick to criticize the U.S. but not China, Van Kerkhove refutes this claim, stating that WHO has called on China to share critical information about the origins of Covid-19. She also points out that WHO has shifted its focus to countries under Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, with increased resources and expertise in more than 150 country offices.

Van Kerkhove emphasizes that WHO’s actions are determined by its 194 member states, including the U.S., which approve the organization’s strategy, budget, and program of work. She argues that all countries, including high-income countries, faced challenges during the pandemic and continue to rely on WHO for support with health issues.

In response to Jha’s suggestion that WHO should hold member states accountable in pandemics, Van Kerkhove states that sovereign governments are accountable to their people, not to U.N. agencies. She highlights the International Health Regulations and a Pandemic Agreement being negotiated by member states as mechanisms for accountability.

Van Kerkhove also addresses Jha’s call for an investigator general, stating that WHO is regularly evaluated by independent bodies and organizations. She concludes by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to its mission of serving the people and emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing health challenges.

The response from Maria Van Kerkhove provides a detailed and nuanced perspective on the role of WHO in the Covid-19 pandemic and the organization’s relationship with its member states. The debate over WHO’s effectiveness and accountability continues, highlighting the complexities of global health governance in the face of a crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.

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