WHO Needs Structural Reform, Proactive Leadership

Wall Street Journal: All Is Not Well at the World Health Organization
Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust

“…[E]ven if the WHO grasps this historic opportunity [to reform], there are fundamental and systemic failings that underlie its inability to learn lessons. This essential organization, with international legitimacy and respect unmatched in public health, has been held back by deep structural flaws and a chronic refusal to lead. … But if the WHO fails to evolve, others such as the World Bank may feel they have to step in. The result will be Balkanized health governance, when a unified global system is needed. Margaret Chan, the present director general, has another two years in office. Convincing reluctant national governments to embrace real and effective renewal would be a fine legacy” (1/22).

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