For those on the frontlines of global health, responding to emerging infectious diseases and ensuring the best clinical care for affected populations is the very heart of their mission. Few know this better than American Janet Diaz, MD, a senior medical officer at the World Health Organization (WHO), who has spent years leading clinical preparedness and response efforts for health emergencies around the globe. From managing outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg virus to steering clinical guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Diaz’s experience sheds light on the crucial role WHO plays in global health security.
A Career Spanning Global Health Crises
Diaz’s journey began with her medical residency at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by specialized training in critical care. Driven by a passion for improving health systems worldwide—particularly in vulnerable and remote regions—she joined WHO.
“I came to WHO because I wanted to use all the great education and training I had gained in the U.S. to contribute to better health globally,” Diaz explains. Her tenure at WHO coincided with major public health crises, starting with the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), followed by Marburg virus outbreaks and, most recently, COVID-19.
Clinical Response and Global Preparedness
One of WHO’s critical functions is ensuring that outbreaks are not only contained, but that patients receive the highest standard of clinical care. WHO’s role extends beyond surveillance and epidemiology—it sets global norms and standards for patient care, ensuring consistency in clinical management across borders.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this meant developing clinical management guidelines that complemented national strategies from institutions like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
“The norms and standards that come out of WHO are incredibly important,” Diaz notes. “They fill gaps where necessary and provide a global perspective on the best available evidence and novel treatments.” These guidelines are not only for low-income countries but are designed to be universally applicable, ensuring quality care across all settings.
“The norms and standards that come out of WHO are incredibly important. They fill gaps where necessary and provide a global perspective on the best available evidence and novel treatments.”
Addressing Oxygen Shortages in Low-Income Countries
Among the lesser known, essential areas of ongoing work is improving access to medical oxygen—an essential component in treating critically ill patients. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in oxygen availability that caused preventable deaths due to shortages.
“WHO, alongside partners like the Global Fund and U.S. government, has led efforts to scale up access to medical oxygen,” she explains. “American investment and WHO’s reach has helped millions receive lifesaving oxygen therapy and strengthened health systems in preparation for future pandemics.”
WHO’s Coordination with Global Partners
A common misconception is that WHO operates independently of national health agencies. In reality, WHO plays a critical role in coordinating efforts among global partners, including Ministries of Health, NGOs and agencies like the CDC. When a health crisis emerges, WHO is often the first on the ground, working alongside local authorities to provide technical expertise and operational support.
“American investment and WHO’s reach has helped millions receive lifesaving oxygen therapy and strengthened health systems in preparation for future pandemics.”
A recent example was the response to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, where WHO deployed experts within days of the outbreak’s emergence. “We work side by side with the Ministry of Health to ensure that the right steps are taken immediately,” Diaz emphasizes. This includes convening international partners, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and providing technical guidance to health workers on the frontlines.
Strengthening Public Trust
Despite its essential role, WHO faces increasing misinformation, particularly in the U.S. “Right now, there’s a perception problem,” Diaz acknowledges. “There’s this notion that WHO is imposing health measures or interfering with national sovereignty when, in reality, we’re focused on coordination and supporting efforts on the ground.”
This coordination is especially true in the U.S., where WHO collaborates with numerous U.S. institutions, including NIH, CDC, and more than 70 of the top U.S. research institutions to develop health recommendations based on the best available science.
The key to countering misinformation, Diaz argues, is transparency and engagement. “Fact is, we need more American voices helping explain what WHO actually does. It’s about communicating that WHO is here to help. We’re working together with national and international partners to improve global health.”
Global Health Resilience
As health threats continue to evolve, WHO’s mission remains clear: ensuring that all countries, regardless of economic status, have the tools and expertise needed to respond effectively to health emergencies.
From developing clinical guidelines to coordinating emergency responses, WHO plays an indispensable role in shaping global health security. “Our work doesn’t replace national efforts, but amplifies them, ensuring that best practices are shared, resources are mobilized and lives are saved,” Diaz says.
As the world prepares for the next health emergency, the role of organizations like WHO in fostering international collaboration has never been more crucial. “At the end of the day, health crises know no borders,” Diaz concludes. “And a strong global response is in everyone’s best interest.”
“At the end of the day, health crises know no borders. A strong global response is in everyone’s best interest.”