WHO Boss Hits Out At People Caring More About War In Ukraine Than About Black Lives

The World Health Organization bos has criticised the widespread media attention focused on the Russian invasion into Ukraine.

While Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus understands it's a heartbreaking situation and one that deserves the world's scrutiny, he's questioned why other humanitarian situations aren't getting the same action.

Billions of dollars have been sent to Ukraine to battle Russia and people all over the world have donated what they can to assist refugees fleeing their war-torn homes.

But Mr Ghebreyesus is surprised there hasn't been a similar response to people in Ethiopia, Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria.

REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri

Two forces within Ethiopia, the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, have been warring since late 2020 and that' has sparked a severe humanitarian crisis.

Ghebreyesus says there is 'nowhere on Earth where the health of millions of people is more under threat' than in the the Tigray region, where he is from.

Afghanistan has been crippled since the resurgence of the Taliban in August last year, which has left families struggling to survive.

Syria's civil war continues to push hundreds of thousands on the brink of starvation as nearly 15 million people need assistance.

While in Yemen, a civil war has killed tens of thousands of people and it is unclear when the bloodshed will end.

These countries have been deeply affected by war, economic difficulties and humanitarian issues, and yet they barely reach the front page anymore.

Alamy

Tedros, who used to be Ethiopia's Health Minister, said: “As we speak, people are dying of starvation. This is one of the longest and worst sieges by both Eritrean and Ethiopian forces in modern history.”

He added: “I need to be blunt and honest that the world is not treating the human race the same way. Some are more equal than others.”

"When I say this, it pains me. Because I see it. Very difficult to accept but it's happening."

Ghebreyesus says the fact that the crises being faced by these countries only garner a 'fraction' of the headlines compared to Ukraine begs the question of whether 'the world really gives equal attention to Black and white lives'.

He hopes 'the world comes back to its senses and treats all human life equally'.

The World Health Organization chief pointed to how people were being burned alive in Ethiopia and yet it seems like no one cares.

Topics: News

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie