Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
An article published on a media website claims that the World Health Organization (WHO) seek surveillance powers to monitor people. We fact-checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
An article by The People’s Voice titled ‘WHO Seeks Expanded Surveillance to Monitor All Individuals for Disease Control’ claims that the WHO is advocating for significantly heightened surveillance authority to oversee the entire global population in the interest of disease control.
We have attached a screenshot of the article below:
In other fact check we debunked WHO has formed a police force to safeguard online content. In another story, we debunked WHO has the authority to lock down entire America. We also invalidated Disease X be leaked in 2025.
Fact Check
Is it true that WHO demands surveillance powers to monitor people?
No. There is no evidence to confirm that WHO demands surveillance powers to monitor people. The WHO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, primarily coordinates and directs global health efforts. It cannot mandate surveillance measures by individual countries. However, it offers guidelines and recommendations for countries to consider regarding surveillance measures, particularly in the realm of disease tracking and response to public health threats.
The WHO’s recommendations aim to expand existing health surveillance programs, such as disease monitoring and vaccine development. These programs focus on broader trends and potential disease spillovers from various sources like animals, wastewater, or insects, rather than surveilling individual people. The intent is to enhance global capacity for disease detection and prevention, ultimately aiding in early identification and containment of outbreaks.
Furthermore, the WHO emphasizes the importance of protecting privacy, data confidentiality, and human rights in the implementation of surveillance measures. Recommendations include clauses addressing privacy, data protection, and confidentiality, ensuring compliance with international laws and each country’s national regulations.
The WHO’s proposals are part of ongoing discussions, not mandates, and they require adoption by member nations. Countries retain sovereignty over health decision-making and are not obligated to implement WHO recommendations. The WHO can only make suggestions, and it is up to individual governments to decide whether to adopt them based on their own laws and regulations.
It is crucial to consider the source of information when evaluating claims. The article mentioning the WHO’s proposals needs to be assessed critically, especially considering its affiliation with a website known for publishing false stories and disclaimers about the reliability of its content.
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