World Health Organization Hit With Complaints of ‘Racism’ & ‘Abuse’ in Asia

Staffers from the WHO in the Western Pacific accuse the organization of racist and abusive behavior.

QUICK FACTS:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) in the South Pacific is accused of racism, unethical and abusive behavior, according to The Associated Press (AP).
• AP’s report shows that part of the complaints were about the agency undermining the U.N. health agency’s attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
• The complaint included accusations of a toxic environment marked by bullying and public humiliation, specifically led by Dr. Takeshi Kasai, who is the director of a large region that includes China as well as his home country of Japan.
• Kasai denied the allegations, saying he would take steps to communicate with all of his staff.

Recordings obtained by @AP show WHO's top official in the Western Pacific made derogatory remarks to staff during meetings based on nationality as they discussed ways to contain the spread of the coronavirus. https://t.co/bctA7Y8j2s

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 27, 2022

COMPLAINT DETAILS AND RESPONSE:

• Staffers who did not identify themselves “for fear of retaliation” said that Kasai’s leadership led to the exit of 55 staffers in the past 18 months, the majority of whom have yet to be replaced.
• The email describes “a culture of systemic bullying and public ridiculing” at the hands of Kasai. The doctor in charge is also accused of sharing likely prohibited vaccine information with Japan.
• In his response, Kasai said, “I ask a lot of myself, and our staff. This has particularly been the case during the COVID-19 response. But it should not result in people feeling disrespected.”
• The doctor went on to say that he is committed to making whatever changes are needed to ensure “a positive work environment” for all WHO staff in the region.
• According to the AP, however, Kasai also sent an internal email shared with a reporter where he ordered senior directors and country representatives to “reject” the accusations and “totally support” him.

BACKGROUND:

• The World Health Organization is an agency of the United Nations and is responsible for assisting with international public health.
• WHO has been at the forefront of recommendations for how to treat COVID-19, including their recent recommendation of two new COVID treatments, Yahoo News reported.