Executive Address – Global Health Crisis

Ladies and gentlemen,

I’d like to thank you for your dedicated service to WHO operations abroad and our commitment to promoting health and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

At this time, we continue our battle against the global pandemic by taking decisive steps to reduce infections and eradicate Covid-19. Though it is not a comfortable request, I urge all to wear their masks and practice social distancing whenever possible. We must lead the public by our actions to eliminate misinformation.

Even amid this global pandemic, it is crucial to remain vigilant about other collective battles, which impact the most vulnerable across the globe. 

The proliferation of humanitarian crises continues to surge. The conflict in Ukraine has already created 4.6 million refugees. This figure adds to a growing list of ongoing humanitarian emergencies for which I urge all to equally consider and prioritize our response and coverage. Let us not overlook nor neglect the dire situations in Afghanistan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Syria, Somalia, Nigeria, Iraq and South Sudan while we fight the spread of diseases like the outbreak of Ebola across the DRC and Guinea, and Influenza and Zika virus around parts of the world. All humanitarian crises must be given equal and immediate attention, regardless of race and country of origin.

During these times, it’s natural to feel strongly about issues. However, as staff members of WHO, our priority is to provide public health assistance impartially. As such, I would like to gently remind all to be mindful about posting content that could negatively affect the public. We are all greatly fatigued by this era, yet we must retain our leadership position as the premier advisor on global health. 

My thoughts are with you and your loved ones for the days ahead.

Warm regards,
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General, World Health Organisation