WHO IS WHO?
Drum English|7 May 2020
We take a closer look at the World Health Organization and its role in combatting the coronavirus pandemic
DENNIS CAVERNELIS
WHO IS WHO?

IT’S been at the heart of driving information related to one of the deadliest diseases to hit the world in recent memory. Yet although its name has popped up in one article after the other, few people gave a second thought to what the World Health Organization (WHO) really is.

Then came US president Donald Trump’s declaration that the US is withdrawing $400 million (R7,5bn) of funding for the global health body and everyone started to wonder about the WHO.

The US has the highest rate of deaths related to Covid-19 – at the time of going to print it was about 50 000. Trump has been widely criticised for how he has dealt with the crisis – but he’s pointing fingers at the global health body.

He’s accused staff of “mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic” and said the US would withhold funding until the WHO’s “mismanagement, cover-ups, and failures can be investigated”.

The US is the largest source of funding for the organisation and withdrawing the money could have a devastating effect on their ability to help combat the coronavirus.

“Not seeing the value of the World Health Organization highlights how unprepared the United States was for a pandemic,” says Steven Hoffman, director of the Global Strategy Lab and a professor of Global Health, Law, and Political Science at York University in Canada.

We take a closer look at the WHO.

WHERE IT STARTED

It was founded in April 1948 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. It came about when the United Nations, which was established three years earlier, decided it needed a global health body.

South Africa was one of the 51 founding nations of both organisations.

Esta historia es de la edición 7 May 2020 de Drum English.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición 7 May 2020 de Drum English.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE DRUM ENGLISHVer todo
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 minutos  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 minutos  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 minutos  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 minutos  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 minutos  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020