Health Minister Silences Concern Over W.H.O And Sovereignty

Following concerns raised on Jamaica’s participation in the World Health Assembly and the country giving up its sovereignty to the World Health Organization (WHO) in matters of public health, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, sought to silence concerns over the issue, while reassuring citizens the meeting is merely an attempt to improve responses to health events, that have the potential to become public health emergencies.

Chairman of the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, Dr Wayne West recently condemned recommendations from the U.S, for amendments to the management of future pandemics under the International Health Regulations (IHR). Dr West fears if the regulations are adjusted, this would lead to Jamaica giving up its sovereignty in relation to the issues. Where the W.H.O committee with a Director-General would determine the nature of a potential or an actual threat in a state party, after 48 hours without a response. He insisted the government should not allow an unelected group of persons, to have such control over a nation. Watch the report below:

Reporter: Justin Graham