Publications
Publications
- May 20, 2016
- Harvard Business School Working Knowledge
World Health Organization Lacks Leadership to Combat Pandemics
By: John A. Quelch
Abstract
When it comes to emergency preparedness for pandemics, the World Health Organization is falling short. It has not provided prompt and clear leadership to the world in combating either the Ebola or Zika viruses. Its leadership has been low energy, its representatives contradict each other in their public advisories, and it is regarded as more of a policeman than a partner by national governments. Its many dedicated scientists produce useful reports on the global state of public health, but the WHO's bureaucracy impedes the decisive action necessary to get out in front of emerging pandemics.
Keywords
Global Health; World Health Organization; World Bank; Pandemics; Emergency Preparedness; Experience and Expertise; Decisions; Forecasting and Prediction; Communication Strategy; Nonverbal Communication; Framework; Governance; Government and Politics; Health; Management; Practice; Problems and Challenges; Projects; Risk and Uncertainty; Human Needs; Civil Society or Community; Social Issues; Welfare or Wellbeing; Biotechnology Industry; Health Industry; Journalism and News Industry; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry; Public Administration Industry; Tourism Industry; Transportation Industry; Travel Industry; Africa; Asia; Europe; Latin America; North and Central America; South America; West Indies
Citation
Quelch, John A. "World Health Organization Lacks Leadership to Combat Pandemics." Harvard Business School Working Knowledge (May 20, 2016).
