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QUESTION 9
GS2
10 marks

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Critically examine how well WHO provided global health security during the pandemic.

Critically examineWeigh the strengths and the weaknesses, then give a balanced verdict.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Positives: technical guidance, COVAX, Solidarity Trial, tracking, support to poorer countries≈30 words
  2. 2Criticisms: slow emergency declaration, reliance on China's data, mixed messaging (masks, airborne spread), weak enforcement powers≈30 words
  3. 3Structural limits: funding (mostly voluntary), IHR 2005 weaknesses≈30 words
  4. 4Reforms: Pandemic Agreement (adopted 2025), IHR amendments≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

RoleSuccessesFailuresStructural reasonsReformsConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • One-sided criticism
  • Missing structural causes

Draw this

  • Balance: achievements vs failures

Value addition

  • FactWHO declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020 and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.WHO
  • FactThe World Health Assembly adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement in May 2025.WHO

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