EB142/8 Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme

Overview

WHO has successfully launched its Health Emergencies Programme and is establishing a strong coordination and leadership role in health with the support of partners. Significant progress in WHO’s response to emergencies has been welcomed by governments, other entities of the UN system, NGOs and donors on the ground.

However, WHO administrative systems, HR machinery and business processes are holding back the potential of the WHE Programme to excel. The Programme does not stand alone and cannot succeed without a proper administrative architecture and functioning SOPs across the Organization. WHO must undertake a harmonized organizational transformation rather than fragmentary reform or the introduction of a parallel system for the WHE Programme. The IOAC is optimistic that the boldness of purpose and the determination of WHO senior leadership can make this transformation happen.