Who announces plan for "profound transformation" following allegations of sexual abuse in DRC ·UN Info

The assurance came Thursday from the Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who announced a management response plan to respond to the findings of an independent Commission.

"this plan outlines the changes we are going to make as an organization to deliver on this commitment and create a culture in which there is no possibility of sexual exploitation and abuse, no impunity if it is, and no tolerance for inaction," said Dr. Tedros.

Immediate action

The plan outlines a number of short-term measures, focusing on the most urgent recommendations of the independent Commission.

Who will begin by supporting survivors and their families, complete ongoing investigations, initiate a series of internal reviews and audits, and reform its structures and culture.

Over the next 15 months, the Agency will begin a review of its policies, procedures and practices to increase safeguards against sexual exploitation and abuse in its programs and operations.

On the ground, this means that the agency will provide livelihood support to victims and survivors, including more medical and psychosocial support, help them find employment opportunities and resources to start a small business.

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Children born as a result of these cases will also be covered through scholarships and medical expenses.

In addition, the Agency will provide mandatory pre-deployment and refresher training for any new assignments, and will create reporting channels for alerts or complaints.

Who has allocated an initial $7.6 million to build capacity in 10 countries with the highest risk profile: Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Venezuela and Yemen.

Prevention measures

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said that WHO was already implementing many of the recommendations.

For example, during the current Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, DRC, as part of the first wave of deployments, the agency sent an expert in the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse to Beni.

"in collaboration with UN partners, she provides extensive two-day training to staff and NGOs and contacts community leaders to raise awareness," said Dr. Moeti.

Last week, nearly 40 WHO staff and United Nations partners received training on these issues. Many of them will then train other staff.

Nearly 30 members of local community associations were also briefed on how to protect the population and report suspicious cases.