The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Nigeria has slammed the Nation Newspaper over its report “WHO to build pharmacy plant in Imo”.
WHO, in a statement signed by the Nigeria Representative, Dr Rex Mpazanje, said the organisation unequivocally dissociate self from content of the news material.
Dr. Mpazanje said: “WHO therefore requests unreserved withdrawal of the article by the Nation Newspaper and correction of the erroneous impression it gives in order to limit damage to the reputation of the organization and the risk it poses to lives of its personnel.”
Photo from left to right: Dr. Mark Bor, Permanent Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Rex Mpazanje, Acting Officer in Charge, WHO Kenya Dr. Stefan Oschmann, Merck Executive Board member and CEO Merck Serono
WHO said it does not get involved in the establishment of pharmaceutical companies.
WHO’s mandate in the area of pharmaceuticals is limited to supporting governments around the world in formulation of policies, establishing norms and standards.
That includes regulations and facilitating access to quality essential medicines.
As such, the WHO does not engage in commercial activities of any kind nor deal in direct service delivery for profit making.
“Our overarching goal is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world; in combating diseases – infectious diseases like influenza and HIV and non-communicable ones like cancer and heart disease.
“And in helping mothers enjoy health reproductive life and children to survive and thrive so they can look forward to a healthy old age,” the statement said.
WHO also helps governments ensure safety of the air people breathe, the food they eat, the water they drink – and indeed the medicines and vaccines they use.
“WHO respects the Nigerian Press, maintains a cordial relationship with members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and expects that information released to the public must first be verified by all responsible journalists,” it added.
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