Six reforms to make WHO ready for the future (1/6)
Reform 1: Refocus on core normative and scientific role.
In The Lancet (April 2026), Anders Nordström, John Nkengasong, Peter Piot, Magda Robalo Correia e Silva, Ala Alwan, Ethel L Maciel, Ren Minghui, and Michel Kazatchkine lay out the case for focused, ambitious reform.
WHO must prioritise its core functions in setting standards, developing guidance, and providing scientific leadership. This requires transparent and updated methodologies aligned with emerging science and technologies, including responsible use of AI. WHO must reassert its role in health data and analytics while maintaining a clear separation between political processes and scientific work. WHO should assist to set research priorities and norms but should not conduct research itself.