Recommendation 2

The pandemic has exposed shortcomings in the multilateral health system. The WHO lacks adequate funds, power and independence. It has done hugely important work in a difficult situation, facing intense pressure from many sides. However, it performed less effectively than under the leadership of Gro Harlem Brundtland and fell short on demanding transparency from Beijing, particularly in the early months, leading to costly delays in the international response. Far from being a reason to abandon the WHO, the pandemic should be a wake-up call that prompts reform to give the WHO the powers it needs to respond more effectively to future outbreaks. No country should be able to impede it effectively performing its role of protecting global health. As the second-largest donor to the WHO, the UK is in a strong position to influence this process, build a coalition of member states, and press for the necessary reforms. These should include greater transparency and accountability across its work. We recommend that the Government endorses the recommendations of the Independent Panel (IPPPR), including for greater powers to independently investigate outbreaks, an increase in member state fees, and greater independence for the WHO’s leadership. For each, the Government should assess the chances of success, and explain the efforts the UK is making to promote it, if any.