International WHO Representative in Russia Admits: "Like any global organization, WHO carries its flaws and imperfections."

International WHO Representative in Russia Admits: "Like any global organization, WHO carries its flaws and imperfections."

What's the Gist of WHO's Current Ongoings in Russia?

• The WHO and Russia continue to team up on significant health issues, focusing on non-communicable diseases like smoking, drinking, inactivity, and junk food, plus infectious diseases, elderly care, mental health, and antibiotic resistance.

The WHO's 14th General Programme of Work, launched in 2025, is underway, emphasizing preventive measures, quality healthcare for all, and readiness for emergencies. At present, over 20 WHO centres are operational in Russia, supporting various programs, with a new geriatrics center established in autumn 2024. More centers are in the works.

In the European region, which includes Russia, discussions and the development of a new five-year program (2026-2030) are underway, addressing topics such as aging populations, mental health, workforce, and AI in healthcare.

Last Three Years: Changes in WHO's Work in Russia under Sanctions

Healthcare matters must remain independent from politics. Since 1998, the WHO office has been active in Russia, despite logistical challenges due to the current situation. Bilateral collaboration persists, with Russian specialists taking part in global health gatherings and expert groups, advocating for their country's interests and sharing valuable experiences internationally.

Is Health Care Expenditure as a % of GDP a Valid Indicator?

This indicator provides a glimpse into healthcare funding levels; however, it overlooks how evenly funds are distributed or how effectively they're utilized. High healthcare expenditure in low-income countries could stem from international funding for specific programs like clean water projects or mass vaccination campaigns.

The Global Problem of Generic Medications' Quality

While there might be concerns about generic drug quality, the main issue pertains to ensuring the overall quality, safety, and efficiency of all medications. WHO backs the appropriate use of generic drugs, advocating against the spread of subpar and counterfeit drugs.

Bias Against Generics and Education

There is indeed a perceived bias against generics, necessitating educational initiatives to counteract this attitude. Educating people about generics and strengthening the regulatory bodies responsible for medication approval can help increase trust in non-brand drugs.

The Origin of the Coronavirus: Trusted Version?

Following expert consultations in Wuhan, the WHO concluded that the laboratory incident scenario is highly unlikely, although other scenarios remain plausible. Finding the virus's source is a priority to implement preventive measures and reduce the risk of such outbreaks in the future.

Antibiotic Resistance Combat

Antimicrobial resistance incurs significant economic costs and could lead to additional healthcare expenditure of $1 trillion by 2050. To combat this issue, WHO launched the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), in which Russia actively participates. Russia also runs reference centers for monitoring healthcare-associated infections, antibiotic residues in food, and bacterial antibiotic resistance.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: Possible Consequences

U.S. withdrawal from WHO would mean losing access to global health discussions and databases. While WHO is not without flaws, reforms can't occur without active participation from major players like the U.S. Dialogue and reconsideration of the decision are encouraged for collective global health gains.

1. In the field of healthcare, Russia and the WHO continue working together, focusing on chronic diseases, mental health, and antibiotic resistance.
2. The 14th General Programme of Work, launched in 2025, is driving preventive measures, quality healthcare, and emergency preparedness.
3. At present, more than 20 WHO centres operate in Russia, supporting various programs, with a new geriatrics center established in autumn 2024.
4. More centres are being developed under this program.
5. Discussions for a new five-year program (2026-2030) are underway in the European region, addressing aging populations, mental health, workforce, and AI in healthcare.
6. Despite the current situation, the WHO's office has been operational in Russia since 1998, with bilateral collaboration ongoing.
7. Russian specialists contribute to global health gatherings and expert groups, advocating for their country's interests and sharing valuable experiences.
8. Healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP offers an insight into healthcare funding levels.
9. However, it fails to account for how funds are distributed or their effectiveness.
10. High healthcare expenditure in low-income countries may be due to external funding for specific programs.
11. The quality, safety, and efficiency of medications is the main concern regarding generic drugs.
12. WHO supports the appropriate use of generic drugs, advocating against the spread of subpar and counterfeit drugs.
13. A perceived bias against generics necessitates educational initiatives to increase trust in non-brand drugs.
14. Strengthening regulatory bodies responsible for medication approval can help counteract the attitude against generics.
15. The origin of the coronavirus remains a priority for finding preventive measures and reducing future outbreak risks.
16. Following expert consultations in Wuhan, the WHO concluded that the laboratory incident scenario is highly unlikely.
17. Other scenarios for the virus's origin remain plausible.
18. Antimicrobial resistance incurs significant economic costs and could lead to additional healthcare expenditure of $1 trillion by 2050.
19. To combat antimicrobial resistance, WHO launched the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), which Russia actively participates in.
20. Russia also runs reference centers for monitoring healthcare-associated infections, antibiotic residues in food, and bacterial antibiotic resistance.
21. The U.S. withdrawal from WHO could result in losing access to global health discussions and databases.
22. Wearables and smart home devices are starting to impact healthcare, with applications in chronic disease management, lifestyle improvement, and cybersecurity.
23. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data and cloud computing, and sustainable living will shape the future of the healthcare industry.
24. CBD research holds potential for managing chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
25. Robust financial support is essential to maintain scientific investigations and medical advancements in these areas.
26. Environmental science and climate change are influential factors contributing to eye health, cardiovascular health, and skin conditions.
27. Manufacturing plays a crucial role in creating innovative medical equipment, while energy consumption in hospitals is a concern for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
28. Mental health continues to be an important issue globally, with a key focus on interventions for depression, anxiety, and stress.
29. Aging populations have significant implications for the healthcare system, with increased demand for long-term care and treatment for age-related conditions.
30. Entrepreneurship, small business, retail, and leadership within the health industry will drive innovation and improve access to care.
31. Interior design, transportation, and housing market trends can impact the overall wellness and health-focused lifestyle choices of individuals.

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