Special Session Executive Board (November 1-3, 2011) to discuss WHO Reform

Decisions

Decisions here

DGH and PHM Comment on EBSS Decisions

Background

WHO Reform has been on the WHO agenda since May 2009.  It was initially focused on the imbalance between assessed and untied contributions to WHO revenue, under the rubric of 'The future of financing of WHO'.  During 2011 the conversation widened to include a wider range of issues including WHO governance and management; personnel policies and practices; priority setting; and the proposal for a World Health Forum.  

These issues were reworked extensively during the May 2011 World Health Assembly. In the May 2011 EB meeting an agreed roadmap for working through these issues was agreed upon.  

In July 2011 the WHO Secretariat released three concept / discussion / decision papers on: WHO Governance, a proposed Independent Evaluation (which might focus as a kind of first step on HSS and/or possibly MCH); and the proposal for a new structure, a World Health Forum (as outlined in Resolution WHA64.2).

From August to November these papers were subject to further consultation and revision including a web-based consultation and face to face discussion at the six regional committees which met from August through to October (see Regional Committee Watch).

More detail on the WHO Reform process and comment from various sources. 

See also  WHO Reform for a healthy futureon the DG's website.

In October the DG circulated a new version of WHO Reforms for a Healthy Future (15 October) building on and incorporating comment on the three earlier discussion papers and a new Road Map for organisational review and reform for discussion at the SSEB.

See Annotated Agenda and Proposed Program of Work

PHM Statement on WHO Reform Program

Early commentary.  

See TWN (2 Nov)

Following the November special EB meeting a set of reform proposals will be prepared for consideration by the Executive Board at its meeting in January 2012 and for final decision at the World Health Assembly in May 2012.