On 8 November 2024, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros briefed the UN Security Council on "threats posed by ransomware attacks against hospitals and other healthcare facilities and services." He highlighted the devastating effects of ransomware and cyberattacks on health infrastructure and the dire consequences of these attacks, including financial loss. Dr Tedros also highlighted the measures WHO is taking to support Member States to enhance the resilience of health infrastructure against cybercrime, including ransomware as well as to maximize the power of digital technologies for health, and to minimize their risks.
In January of 2024, WHO published two reports in collaboration with INTERPOL, UNODC and other partners on ways to strengthen cyber security and counter disinformation. WHO is also developing guidance on implementing and investing in cybersecurity and privacy protection of digital health interventions, to be published in 2025.
See link to Dr Tedros's remarks and link to the recording of the briefing.
Dr Tedros also briefed a closed UN Security Council meeting on Gaza on 6 November. See link to his remarks.
