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WHO watch experience

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By Kemi Bello from PHM Nigeria

The WHO watch experience is definitely one I can never forget. I had a practical insight into the dealings and proceedings of the WHO. I learnt more things about the WHO in the few days I spent in Geneva, than I had learnt in the 6 years I spent in Medical School! It kind of struck me how much member states had the power to bring about positive changes to health that they never use. It also availed me the opportunity to meet with my Country (and some other African Countries) delegation who were much more open to discussion than they would ordinarily have been back home.

How can I also forget the wonderful dinner with Dr. Halfdan Mahler, an ex- WHO DG who shared with us stories and experiences money can’t buy?

In all, it was a very nice experience though I left Geneva with many more questions than I went with; from why should an individual address the assembly and have more time than that allocated to each MS to why the WHO has allowed itself to be boxed into a corner and now have to dance to the tunes of some of these ‘big actors’ and to why there is always so much emphasis placed on the wrong things?

However, I see a new ‘people oriented’ WHO coming, though it may take some time and hard work but nothing good usually comes easy and above all, I am excited to be a part of this process… Viva Healthcare!!!

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Kemi from PHM Nigeria and John Mahama from PHM Ghana have written a detailed report on the WHO watch at the 64th World Health Assembly which we will share with all soon.

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