A review of the past 12 months by the World Health Organization to take stock of key moments worldwide in health and science. Its success in 2024 is a source of pride that it shares with partners and donors yearly. This article is dedicated to all those hardworking workers worldwide who have sacrificed their personal space and time for a better world and a better place to live.
The lessons learnt will pave the way for a better 2025!
Table of Contents
Tracing WHO’s successful endeavours
2024 was a complex year, as observed by the WHO. There were several areas in which it successfully executed its plans. Here are some of those captured briefly:
Eliminating diseases around the world
Several milestones were achieved by tackling neglected infectious and vector-borne diseases.
Brazil, Chad, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam each eliminated a neglected tropical disease.
Tackle the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, which are the leading causes of death, are largely preventable. However, aggressive marketing, lobbying, and policy-making interference prevent countries from adopting cost-effective preventive measures.
Despite the WHO’s Global Report on Tobacco Use 2000–2030, the tobacco industry continues its aggressive marketing.
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
A commitment was made to reduce global death due to drug-resistant bacteria by 10% by 2030.
A resolution for decisive measures to counter climate change was taken.
A resolution for investing in a healthy future for all.
Global Immunization efforts
An estimated 154 million lives (6 lives every minute) were saved through immunization of infants.
From just 5% having access to immunization, it has risen to 84% of infants.
International Health Regulation (IHR)
Amendments included a definition of a pandemic emergency to trigger more effective international collaboration.
WHO responded to emergencies from Gaza, Sudan, and the mpox, which were of international concern.
Battling misinformation and disinformation
Lies, conspiracy theories, misinformation, and disinformation are rampant, challenging world health.
These undermine trust and confidence in scientific treatments and vaccines, hindering public health.
WHO is not far from controversies?
While the objective of WHO is “to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world,” it is not without its share of controversies. Here are some significant criticisms and controversies that impact society:
Its response and questionable decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis
The delay in declaring it a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) till January 30, 2020, though it was identified and reported to WHO by China on December 31, 2019. There were further delays in declaring it a pandemic until March 2020. There are allegations of bias towards China during the early stages of the outbreak.
There are accusations that WHO distributed vaccines unequally among countries, with low-income ones receiving far fewer doses than the wealthy nations.
Bad decisions during the Swine Flu pandemic (H1N1) and Ebola (2009, 2014 to 2016).
WHO was accused of exaggerating the outbreak’s severity, allegedly under pressure from pharmaceutical companies.
Allegations of Sexual abuse, corruption, & mismanagement
WHO is accused of excessive spending on matters other than health programs. In Congo, WHO personnel were implicated in sexual exploitation during Ebola response programs.
The relationship with pharma companies criticized
Certain vaccines (Sputnik, Covaxin, Sinovac) were delayed approval unjustly (alleged). Quoting industry interests influenced its recommendations.
WHO succumbs to political pressures?
It is accused of making decisions to avoid criticism from powerful countries.
Under Trump’s administration, the USA withdrew funding and membership due to dissatisfaction with WHO’s COVID-19 handling.
Tackling of non-communicable diseases criticized
Addressing diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular issues has been questioned by experts.
Conclusion
Despite these controversies and criticisms, it remains a go-to organization worldwide for public health efforts. These are all challenges of operating in a politically and financially complex global scenario.
Many advocate increased independence, funding, and accountability to the World Health Organization.
