The successes of WHO has have sowed by some of its iconic figures such as Halfdan Mahler and Gro Harlem Brundtland, ironically, blotted by some others. The organization has some of its historical successes and the downfalls. It is its persistent dedicative work that has bought the new reform in global health, but also the negligence that has got itself into problems. The global knowledge of health often relies on WHO, and its research has played a significant role to achieve successes. Some of its achievements include smallpox, tuberculosis treatment (directly observed treatment, short-course or DOTS) and vaccination against common infections. However, there were times when the organization has faced criticism for its response to an outbreak. For example, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, it has been charged for being negligent. The Ebola crisis is another example which killed over 11,000 people and caused a loss of $2.8 billion, but the organization was incompetent in tackling the epidemic. It also has been accused of delay, and immoderate administrative functions and raised questions on its financial transparency. It is a fact that the lucrative packages and benefits hold the bureaucrats from speaking out or take risks.
Despite its extensive networks, collaborating centres and the power to mobilize the international experts, the organization is incapable of negotiating with the pharmaceutical industries on the price factor.
Overplaying with the recent COVID-19 crisis has led the stakeholders to lose their confidence in the organization and exposed its weaknesses as a global leader in health matters.
WHO’s incompetent decision to declare pandemic has led several leaders to doubt in its ability. Perhaps, the organisation was delusional in choosing between the word or was seeking to redefine the old-boring definition of a pandemic.
Recently, the US has sought for a change and asked WHO to reform, independent of China. The Union health minister of India, Harsh Vardhan will take over the charge as the chairman of WHO executive board succeeding Dr Hiroki Nakatani of Japan.
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