Controversy Over TB Prize Shows ‘Diplomatic Challenges’ In Combating Disease, WSJ Reports

The Wall Street Journal examines controversy surrounding “the Kochon Prize, a prestigious honor for major contributions to the fight against [tuberculosis (TB)].” The selection committee chose a Tibetan TB program, the newspaper notes. However, the prize recipient must be approved by the WHO director-general, and “the WHO administration, which advises the director-general, didn’t approve the choice because the hospital has ties to the Tibetan government-in-exile,” which is not recognized by the U.N., the newspaper continues. “The controversy reflects the diplomatic challenges the WHO faces as it tries to combat TB and other health problems globally,” the Wall Street Journal writes (McKay, 11/26).

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