The WHO Keeps Failing Upward

 Recent events surrounding the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight a pattern of "failing upward," where the organization’s failings during the COVID-19 pandemic are being overlooked in favor of granting it more authority. A new pandemic treaty, adopted at the World Health Assembly, raises concerns about the WHO's decision-making power and its potential mismanagement of future health crises.

1. The Pandemic Treaty: The WHO's new treaty aims to create a global health cooperation framework and a surveillance system for emerging pathogens, despite historical evidence suggesting exaggerated pandemic risks.

2. Global Support: The treaty received support from 124 countries, with only 11 abstentions. It will take effect once ratified by 60 countries.

3. Concerns Over Centralization: Critics question the wisdom of empowering an international bureaucratic organization to declare health emergencies, arguing it shifts decision-making power away from individual nations.

4. Assessment of WHO’s Performance: The WHO has not properly addressed its failings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls for reform emphasize the need to evaluate whether it can adequately adjust to prevent future issues or if a new organization is necessary.

5. Misleading Information: WHO's Director-General made controversial statements regarding COVID-19 death rates that led to widespread fear, suggesting the organization has a troubling track record of disseminating information that supports its agenda.

6. Evaluating Mortality Rates: The claim that COVID had a higher case fatality rate than seasonal flu has faced skepticism. Experts warn that early estimates can be misleading due to difficulties in data collection during epidemics.

7. Research Findings: Studies showed many infections were not reported early in the pandemic, indicating potentially lower fatality rates than initially claimed. Surveys have demonstrated that many individuals were infected without symptoms, complicating the understanding of true fatality statistics.

8. Diverse Health Vulnerabilities: The risk from COVID-19 significantly varied by age and existing health conditions, with most severe outcomes among the elderlya detail that was often overlooked in public messaging.

The adoption of the new pandemic treaty raises significant questions about the WHO's role and effectiveness in global health management. There is a strong argument for reassessing the organization’s powers and exploring potential reforms or the establishment of a more effective health entity, given its historical missteps and the implications of increased centralization. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/the-who-keeps-failing-upward/