I’m working on a public health discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
Differentiate between WHO, and WTO in terms of budget, power, and the critiques for each of them, and support your answer with examples.
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Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are two important international agencies that play vital roles in addressing global health and trade issues. In this context, this discussion will highlight the differences between WHO and WTO in terms of budget, power, and critiques along with relevant examples.
WHO, WTO and their Differences
The WHO is primarily responsible for improving global public health by providing leadership on critical health issues, establishing and enforcing health standards, and coordinating health programs among member states. The organization is financed through a combination of assessed and voluntary contributions from its member states and has an annual budget of approximately $4.8 billion for the biennium 2020-2021. The organization has significant power to influence the global health agenda as it brings together 194 member states and coordinates a wide range of health-related activities, including the development of international health regulations, disease control, and prevention programs.
On the other hand, the WTO is a global organization that promotes free trade through multilateral trade negotiations, dispute resolution, and trade-related cooperation among its 164 member countries. WTO’s budget is relatively smaller compared to the WHO, with an annual budget of around $220 million. The organization has the power to set rules for global trade, negotiate trade agreements, and resolve disputes between member states over trade-related issues.
Critiques for WHO and WTO
WHO has been subjected to several criticisms over its handling of global health crises such as the inadequate response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the delayed response to the Zika virus, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have argued that WHO has failed to provide timely and accurate information to member states, leading to confusion and a lack of effective response.
Similarly, WTO has been criticized for favoring developed countries’ interests over developing nations, failing to deliver on its mission of promoting global trade, and being ineffective in resolving trade disputes. Additionally, many groups have condemned WTO’s liberalization policies, arguing that it has contributed to the widening economic gap between developed and developing nations.
Examples
An example of the WHO’s response to a global health crisis is the agency’s handling of the current COVID-19 pandemic. WHO has played a crucial role in coordinating the global response, providing guidance on effective measures to contain the spread of the virus and working closely with member states to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines and essential medical supplies.
An example of the WTO’s role in global trade is the recent dispute between the US and China over trade imbalances and intellectual property theft. In response, the organization initiated a dispute resolution process, leading to a negotiated settlement that led to the signing of the US-China Phase One trade agreement.
Conclusion: In conclusion, WHO and WTO are two important international agencies with different roles in addressing global health and trade issues. Despite criticisms, both organizations have played critical roles in improving global public health and promoting free trade, respectively. Understanding the differences between WHO and WTO is important for policymakers to address global health and trade issues effectively.
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