WHO Transparency Hub: Insights on Global Health

Purpose of This Transparency Hub

The World Health Organization is the United Nations specialised agency for international public health. Its work includes international health cooperation, disease surveillance, emergencies, research guidance, technical standards and support for Member States.

This hub helps the public investigate WHO governance, funding, decisions, recommendations, international agreements, scientific evidence, relationships, contracts, data systems and accountability using original sources wherever possible.

Independent Transparency & Evidence Disclaimer

Right First Time UK is independent and is not affiliated with WHO, the United Nations, the UK Government, NHS, UKHSA, pharmaceutical companies, foundations, political parties, donors or organisations linked on this page.

The inclusion of a person, government, donor, company, payment, contract, meeting or relationship does not imply wrongdoing, corruption or improper influence.

This hub distinguishes documented facts, allegations, opinions, associations and matters where evidence remains incomplete. Readers should check original sources and current legal texts before reaching conclusions.

Transparency Standard Used by This Hub

• Documented: supported by identifiable primary evidence.
• Strongly supported: supported by several reliable sources.
• Disputed: credible sources disagree about interpretation.
• Unverified: insufficient evidence to establish the claim.
• False or misleading: contradicted by strong available evidence.
• Unknown: sufficient public evidence is not currently available.

Who Actually Has the Power?

1. Identify whether the issue concerns the World Health Assembly, Executive Board or Director-General.
2. Identify the Member States involved.
3. Find the original resolution, agreement, recommendation or regulation.
4. Check whether it is legally binding, advisory or requires domestic implementation.
5. Identify what discretion remains with the UK Government and Parliament.
6. Check the UK law used to implement any decision.

Follow a WHO Decision

1. Identify the proposal.
2. Find the original documents.
3. Identify sponsors and supporters.
4. Identify expert groups involved.
5. Check declarations of interest.
6. Find consultation records.
7. Check amendments.
8. Find voting records where available.
9. Identify the final legal status.
10. Track implementation and outcomes.

Follow the Money

1. Identify the donor.
2. Record the contribution.
3. Check whether funding is assessed or voluntary.
4. Check whether funding is earmarked.
5. Identify the programme receiving the money.
6. Check expenditure and results.
7. Read audit reports.
8. Distinguish financial influence from evidence of control.

Trace UK Health Data

1. Identify the NHS or UK source system.
2. Identify the UK data controller.
3. Identify information transferred.
4. Determine whether it is identifiable, pseudonymised, anonymised or aggregated.
5. Identify the recipient.
6. Find the legal basis.
7. Find data-sharing agreements.
8. Check retention and security rules.
9. Check international reporting obligations.
10. Identify individual information rights.

Investigate a WHO Claim

1. Write the exact claim.
2. Identify who made it.
3. Find the earliest source.
4. Find evidence supporting it.
5. Find evidence contradicting it.
6. Identify unknown information.
7. Check legal texts.
8. Publish a proportionate conclusion.

Investigate a WHO Decision-Maker

1. Confirm their official role.
2. Check appointment or election records.
3. Check previous employment.
4. Check publicly disclosed interests.
5. Check speeches and decisions.
6. Check relevant financial disclosures where public.
7. Do not treat an association as proof of misconduct.

Investigate a Contract or Supplier

1. Identify the supplier.
2. Identify contract purpose.
3. Find procurement records.
4. Check value and duration where disclosed.
5. Identify company ownership.
6. Check performance information.
7. Check audit findings.
8. Check conflicts of interest.

Investigate Scientific Evidence

1. Find the evidence review.
2. Identify studies relied upon.
3. Check whether evidence involved humans, animals or laboratory research.
4. Check funding.
5. Check conflicts of interest.
6. Check whether findings were replicated.
7. Check dissenting scientific evidence.
8. Check whether advice later changed.