As the international health authority, the World Health Organization (WHO) is
responsible for providing scientific and medical guidance to states in the interests of
their population’s health. In line with its Constitution, that guidance must be free
of all commercial interest. However, on 28 May 1959, the WHO signed an
agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which prevents
either organization from taking a public position on an issue which might harm the

2 years ago your Editorial staff and International Advisory Board took the courageous and correct step to criticise the practices of your parent company, Reed Elsevier, in the hosting of arms trade fairs.(1)

The arms trade industry as it stands has little good to say for itself. It encourages transgressions of the various Geneva Conventions on the conduct of war, wastes public money, catalyses confl ict and war, institutionalises corruption, glorifi es violence, sustains oppressive and genocidal regimes, and excuses the conduct of torture.

People's Movement stops government privatisation programme in Paraguay

Eye witness report from Paraguay Paraguay, one of the smallest and poorest countries in South America, and for many decades ruled by a murderous dictatorship that fiercely repressed any form of political opposition, is today a country in the throes of a popular revolution. For the first time anywhere in the world, a popular struggle, not linked to any political party, has forced a government to put a complete stop to its privatisation programme!

People’s Health Movement calls for
Immediate Cessation of Israeli Offensive in Palestine and Lebanon and for UN Intervention

A new Director General for the World Health Organisation - an opportunity for bold and inspirational leadership

published in The Lancet
1. Introduction
The sudden and sad death of Dr Lee Jong-wook, the former Director-General (DG) of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has already prompted several articles in this journal about WHO. , , But further discussion is needed over the next two months in the run up to the election of a new DG.