WHO chief seeks central role for UN agency in global health

23/5/2022 19:03

        The head of the World Health Organization said on Monday that it must be "at the centre" of a global healthcare system, while also acknowledging the need for internal reforms.
        
        The World Health Assembly from May 22-28 is seen as one of the most important in the UN health agency's 75-year history, as it seeks to define its future role in global health policy and get approval for a funding overhaul.
        
        "We need a stronger and sustainably financed WHO, at the centre of the global health security architecture," Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a major speech at the WHO's annual assembly.
        
        But he added: "There have been many calls for WHO to change. And there is no question that more change is needed."
        
        The WHO is under scrutiny after an independent panel described it as "underpowered" when COVID-19 struck, with limited powers to investigate outbreaks and coordinate containment measures.