Phoenix rising representing the WHO's recovery after the Ebola crisis.

From Toothless to Terrific? The WHO's Post-Ebola Evolution

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Can the World Health Organization reclaim its leadership role in global health after facing criticism during the Ebola outbreak?"

The West African Ebola epidemic, which claimed over 11,000 lives, exposed critical deficiencies within the World Health Organization (WHO). While weekly surveillance reports offered guarded optimism as the outbreak waned, the WHO faced intense scrutiny for its handling of the crisis, prompting questions about its purpose and leadership in global health.

A central criticism was the WHO's delayed declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which many believe could have significantly reduced casualties. Beyond the acute crisis, the post-Ebola syndrome, with its array of debilitating symptoms, further highlighted the need for timely and effective interventions.

Acknowledging its shortcomings, the WHO has embarked on a path of self-examination and reform. However, implementing these changes presents considerable challenges. This article examines the WHO's efforts to address these challenges and reclaim its pre-eminence in global health.

WHO's Response: Three-Step Plan for Global Health Security

Phoenix rising representing the WHO's recovery after the Ebola crisis.

At the 68th World Health Assembly in May 2015, the WHO unveiled a three-pronged strategy to bolster its response to global health emergencies:

These steps aimed to enhance the organization's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to future outbreaks. However, concerns remain regarding the feasibility and sufficiency of these measures.

Developing a new global health emergency workforce.
Combining the secretariat's outbreak and emergency response programs.
Creating a US$100 million emergency contingency fund, accessible under the Director-General's discretion, regardless of a PHEIC declaration.

Some experts question whether a $100 million fund is sufficient to address the economic devastation caused by a major outbreak. More fundamentally, questions persist about whether these reforms truly address the structural problems hindering the WHO's effectiveness in the 21st century.

Forgiveness, Not Just Judgment: The WHO's Path Forward

The WHO's missteps during the Ebola outbreak have been widely criticized. However, forgiveness is essential, not simply out of compassion, but also because of the WHO's crucial role in an increasingly interconnected world.

The speed of global travel, real-time communication through media and social platforms, and extensive trade agreements demand a central organization to represent the interests of the global community. The WHO, therefore, must learn from its shortcomings.

By adapting its structure, strengthening its capabilities, and engaging effectively with other global health actors, the WHO can solidify its role in safeguarding global health security.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5694/mja15.01188, Alternate LINK

Title: Ebola And The Who: A Journey From Toothless Tiger To Global Dragon?

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Medical Journal of Australia

Publisher: AMPCo

Authors: Sanjaya N Senanayake

Published: 2016-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What was the main criticism of the WHO during the Ebola outbreak?

The WHO faced criticism due to its delayed declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) during the West African Ebola outbreak. This delay is believed by many to have increased casualties. The PHEIC declaration is a critical mechanism that allows the WHO to mobilize resources and coordinate a global response to public health threats. The implication of a delay is that it can hinder effective intervention and potentially lead to a more severe outbreak.

What was the WHO's response to the problems exposed during the Ebola outbreak?

The WHO responded to the shortcomings revealed during the Ebola outbreak with a three-step plan. The first step involved developing a new global health emergency workforce to ensure a skilled and readily available team for future outbreaks. The second step combined the secretariat's outbreak and emergency response programs to streamline operations and improve coordination. The third step was the creation of a US$100 million emergency contingency fund accessible under the Director-General's discretion, even without a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration. This fund aimed to provide immediate financial resources for urgent responses.

What is the purpose of the WHO's emergency contingency fund?

The $100 million emergency contingency fund, created by the WHO, is intended to provide financial resources for immediate responses to health emergencies. However, some experts have questioned whether this amount is sufficient to cover the economic devastation caused by a major outbreak. The fund's accessibility under the Director-General's discretion is meant to allow for rapid deployment of funds, even before a formal Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is declared.

Why is the WHO so important?

The WHO's importance lies in its crucial role in global health, particularly in an interconnected world. The organization's mandate involves coordinating international efforts to prevent, control, and respond to health threats. Its ability to quickly and effectively respond to outbreaks is crucial for minimizing the impact on public health and economies. Without the WHO, global health security would be significantly weaker, leading to increased risks of widespread disease and decreased global cooperation.

What challenges does the WHO face in the future?

The main challenge facing the WHO is re-establishing its authority and regaining the trust of the global community after the criticisms faced during the Ebola outbreak. The organization needs to demonstrate that its reforms are effective and that it can respond swiftly and efficiently to future health emergencies. This also involves addressing structural problems that have hindered its effectiveness. Overcoming these challenges is vital for the WHO to remain a credible and influential leader in global health.