WHO To Shrink its Geneva Headquarters Down to Just Four Programme Divisions – With Health Systems a Key Pillar 22/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher A new, and near final iteration of WHO’s reorganization will shrink its programme divisions even further than previous drafts – from 10 to only four – with health systems emerging as one key pillar of the revamped organization. At the same time, disease control departments and preventive health teams – such as health promotion and […] Continue reading -> World Health Organization Reorganization Plan Developed with Boston-based Consultancy 17/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher The US-based Boston Consulting Group has been working with WHO’s senior leadership, under contract, to develop the major reorganization and cost-saving plan, now pending final presentation to staff and member states next week, Health Policy Watch has learned. Members of the Staff Association Committee confirmed to WHO staff members on Thursday, that BCG has been […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: WHO Poised to Halve Divisions and Directors at Geneva Headquarters in Response to Budget Emergency 14/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher The number of WHO programme divisions would be reduced from 10 to just five and the number of directors in headquarters would shrink from nearly 80 to around 30 in an emergency reorganisation plan reviewed by the agency’s executive management group at a closed-door retreat on Saturday. The plan, to be presented to member […] Continue reading -> WHO Budget Crisis Bigger Than Previously Thought – $2.5 Billion Gap for 2025-2027 02/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO’s budget crisis is even bigger than previously thought. The global health organization is short nearly $1.9 billion from a planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27, along with a $600 million deficit through end-2025, senior WHO officials revealed at a global ‘Town Hall’ meeting of WHO staff on Tuesday, heard by Health Policy Watch. The […] Continue reading -> Despite DG Promises, WHO Staff Association In Dark Over Budget Cut Deliberations 31/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher As the World Health Organization (WHO) grapples with an estimated $600 million funding gap for 2025, it is planning to slash its biennial 2026-27 budget by 21% from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, according to an email Friday from Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, obtained by Health Policy Watch. But despite the DG’s promises […] Continue reading -> US Retreat from Global Commitments Impedes Battle Against Air Pollution and Climate Change: Colombia’s President 28/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA – Colombia President Gustavo Petro launched into a blistering attack on the new administration of United States President Donald Trump on the closing day of a three-day WHO conference here on air pollution – warning that progress on critical environmental health and climate topics depends on the “common agenda” that has been fostered by […] Continue reading -> Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
World Health Organization Reorganization Plan Developed with Boston-based Consultancy 17/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher The US-based Boston Consulting Group has been working with WHO’s senior leadership, under contract, to develop the major reorganization and cost-saving plan, now pending final presentation to staff and member states next week, Health Policy Watch has learned. Members of the Staff Association Committee confirmed to WHO staff members on Thursday, that BCG has been […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: WHO Poised to Halve Divisions and Directors at Geneva Headquarters in Response to Budget Emergency 14/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher The number of WHO programme divisions would be reduced from 10 to just five and the number of directors in headquarters would shrink from nearly 80 to around 30 in an emergency reorganisation plan reviewed by the agency’s executive management group at a closed-door retreat on Saturday. The plan, to be presented to member […] Continue reading -> WHO Budget Crisis Bigger Than Previously Thought – $2.5 Billion Gap for 2025-2027 02/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO’s budget crisis is even bigger than previously thought. The global health organization is short nearly $1.9 billion from a planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27, along with a $600 million deficit through end-2025, senior WHO officials revealed at a global ‘Town Hall’ meeting of WHO staff on Tuesday, heard by Health Policy Watch. The […] Continue reading -> Despite DG Promises, WHO Staff Association In Dark Over Budget Cut Deliberations 31/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher As the World Health Organization (WHO) grapples with an estimated $600 million funding gap for 2025, it is planning to slash its biennial 2026-27 budget by 21% from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, according to an email Friday from Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, obtained by Health Policy Watch. But despite the DG’s promises […] Continue reading -> US Retreat from Global Commitments Impedes Battle Against Air Pollution and Climate Change: Colombia’s President 28/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA – Colombia President Gustavo Petro launched into a blistering attack on the new administration of United States President Donald Trump on the closing day of a three-day WHO conference here on air pollution – warning that progress on critical environmental health and climate topics depends on the “common agenda” that has been fostered by […] Continue reading -> Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
EXCLUSIVE: WHO Poised to Halve Divisions and Directors at Geneva Headquarters in Response to Budget Emergency 14/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher The number of WHO programme divisions would be reduced from 10 to just five and the number of directors in headquarters would shrink from nearly 80 to around 30 in an emergency reorganisation plan reviewed by the agency’s executive management group at a closed-door retreat on Saturday. The plan, to be presented to member […] Continue reading -> WHO Budget Crisis Bigger Than Previously Thought – $2.5 Billion Gap for 2025-2027 02/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO’s budget crisis is even bigger than previously thought. The global health organization is short nearly $1.9 billion from a planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27, along with a $600 million deficit through end-2025, senior WHO officials revealed at a global ‘Town Hall’ meeting of WHO staff on Tuesday, heard by Health Policy Watch. The […] Continue reading -> Despite DG Promises, WHO Staff Association In Dark Over Budget Cut Deliberations 31/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher As the World Health Organization (WHO) grapples with an estimated $600 million funding gap for 2025, it is planning to slash its biennial 2026-27 budget by 21% from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, according to an email Friday from Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, obtained by Health Policy Watch. But despite the DG’s promises […] Continue reading -> US Retreat from Global Commitments Impedes Battle Against Air Pollution and Climate Change: Colombia’s President 28/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA – Colombia President Gustavo Petro launched into a blistering attack on the new administration of United States President Donald Trump on the closing day of a three-day WHO conference here on air pollution – warning that progress on critical environmental health and climate topics depends on the “common agenda” that has been fostered by […] Continue reading -> Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
WHO Budget Crisis Bigger Than Previously Thought – $2.5 Billion Gap for 2025-2027 02/04/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO’s budget crisis is even bigger than previously thought. The global health organization is short nearly $1.9 billion from a planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27, along with a $600 million deficit through end-2025, senior WHO officials revealed at a global ‘Town Hall’ meeting of WHO staff on Tuesday, heard by Health Policy Watch. The […] Continue reading -> Despite DG Promises, WHO Staff Association In Dark Over Budget Cut Deliberations 31/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher As the World Health Organization (WHO) grapples with an estimated $600 million funding gap for 2025, it is planning to slash its biennial 2026-27 budget by 21% from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, according to an email Friday from Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, obtained by Health Policy Watch. But despite the DG’s promises […] Continue reading -> US Retreat from Global Commitments Impedes Battle Against Air Pollution and Climate Change: Colombia’s President 28/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA – Colombia President Gustavo Petro launched into a blistering attack on the new administration of United States President Donald Trump on the closing day of a three-day WHO conference here on air pollution – warning that progress on critical environmental health and climate topics depends on the “common agenda” that has been fostered by […] Continue reading -> Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Despite DG Promises, WHO Staff Association In Dark Over Budget Cut Deliberations 31/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher As the World Health Organization (WHO) grapples with an estimated $600 million funding gap for 2025, it is planning to slash its biennial 2026-27 budget by 21% from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, according to an email Friday from Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, obtained by Health Policy Watch. But despite the DG’s promises […] Continue reading -> US Retreat from Global Commitments Impedes Battle Against Air Pollution and Climate Change: Colombia’s President 28/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA – Colombia President Gustavo Petro launched into a blistering attack on the new administration of United States President Donald Trump on the closing day of a three-day WHO conference here on air pollution – warning that progress on critical environmental health and climate topics depends on the “common agenda” that has been fostered by […] Continue reading -> Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
US Retreat from Global Commitments Impedes Battle Against Air Pollution and Climate Change: Colombia’s President 28/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA – Colombia President Gustavo Petro launched into a blistering attack on the new administration of United States President Donald Trump on the closing day of a three-day WHO conference here on air pollution – warning that progress on critical environmental health and climate topics depends on the “common agenda” that has been fostered by […] Continue reading -> Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Spotlight on Increasing Evidence of Air Pollution’s Impact on Mental Health At WHO Conference 28/03/2025 Disha Shetty & Elaine Ruth Fletcher Air pollution has been linked to poor brain development, as well as a higher risk of dementia and stroke. A link has also been established between exposure to air pollution and depression as well as higher suicide rates. The subject received attention at the second WHO’s global conference on air pollution and health in Cartagena, […] Continue reading -> ‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
‘Make Our Lungs Healthy Again’ 26/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher & Sophia Samantaroy CARTAGENA, Colombia – From toxic methane flares in the Amazon rainforest to the death of a nine-year-old girl from London smog, the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health opened Tuesday with a series of emotional testimonials on the deadly effects of smog. Behind the human stories, however, stands a mounting array of evidence […] Continue reading -> Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Halving Deaths from Air Pollution is Central Aim of WHO Conference 24/03/2025 Sophia Samantaroy & Elaine Ruth Fletcher CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading -> WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed Accused of Fraud and Forgery by Bangladesh Authorities 22/03/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed, director of WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), for fraud, forgery and misuse of power in connection with her campaign to become the WHO’s top official in the South East Asia region. The charges against Wazed, who took office as Regional Director […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts