Israeli Health Official Advocates for Continued WHO Membership Amid Criticism
Dr. Sefi Mendelovich, Deputy Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Health, has emphasized the importance of Israel remaining a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) until a viable alternative is established. Speaking at the Lev Conference on Health and Innovation, Mendelovich highlighted the critical role the WHO plays in providing epidemiological information, particularly from neighboring countries like Syria and Lebanon. Despite significant criticism of the WHO's perceived politicization and its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendelovich stressed that the organization remains indispensable for Israel's public health strategy. He noted that the WHO's data was crucial in detecting cholera in the Yarmouk region in 2022, underscoring the organization's value in areas where Israel lacks alternatives. 
