TY - JOUR T1 - WHO needs reform: why and how Syria was elected to the WHO Executive Board? JF - BMJ Global Health JO - BMJ Global Health DO - 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006801 VL - 6 IS - 8 SP - e006801 AU - Tayseer AlKarim AU - Lia Harris AU - Abdullah Chahin Y1 - 2021/08/01 UR - http://gh.bmj.com/content/6/8/e006801.abstract N2 - Summary boxIntergovernmental bodies, particularly the WHO, have faced extraordinary global crises in recent decades.Their role in responding to the conflicts, violence, migration and internal displacement, disease outbreaks and the daunting challenge of climate change cannot be underestimated.Recent challenges faced by WHO arise from its internal constitution, which accepts an equitable geographical distribution in the Executive Board election but disregards the infamous human rights record of some elected members, particularly those involved in protracted conflicts or possibly engaged in war crimes.Another impediment to fair provision of global healthcare, is WHO donor funding is earmarked by donors, and not necessarily based on priority or needs.Urgent and decisive actions must be taken to avoid unparalleled consequences on the symbolic role of this intergovernmental agency.Increased accountability on WHO Executive Board elections, spending and practices, sustainable, condition-free funding and affected-community-centred focus are essential for WHO to continue to ensure the organisation’s integrity and reputation in the provision of healthcare to the world.WHO is the global leader in international public health with roles which include detecting and responding to acute health emergencies, ensuring preparedness for emergencies by identifying, mitigating and managing risks, supporting the development of tools essential for outbreaks, and supporting the delivery of essential health services in fragile settings. WHO works with its 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices with headquarters in Geneva.1 Governance takes place through the World Health Assembly, which is the supreme decision-making body; and the Executive Board, which gives effect to the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly. The Organisation is headed by the Director-General, who is appointed by the Health Assembly on the nomination of the Executive Board. This Board consists of 34 technically qualified members elected for 3-year terms. The main functions of the Board … ER -