Six reforms to make WHO ready for the future (2/6)

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Published: 2026-05-18 | Updated: 2026-05-18

Reform 2: Make governance more effective.

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.

Governance structures should be streamlined, with the Executive Board restored to a true executive function. The Framework of Collaboration with Non-State Actors (FENSA) should be reviewed. Introducing a single non-renewable term of around 7 years for the WHO Director-General and Regional Directors would enhance leadership independence and reduce political pressure.

Read more: https://www.globalhealthdiplomacy.se/who-worth-fighting-for-authors-make-the-case-for-ambitious-reform