WHO Signed Agreement with IAEA

In 1959, the World Health Organization (WHO) entered into a formal agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through Agreement WHA 12–40. This agreement established a framework for collaboration between the two organizations, stipulating that when one party intends to initiate a program or activity that may significantly interest the other, they must consult with each other to reach a mutual understanding. This collaboration was intended to ensure that both organizations could effectively address health-related issues associated with nuclear energy and radiation. However, the agreement has sparked controversy and criticism from various groups and activists who argue that it limits the WHO's ability to independently investigate the health impacts of radiation exposure, particularly in the context of nuclear power usage and the aftermath of nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Critics assert that the WHO's reliance on the IAEA compromises its autonomy and undermines its role in safeguarding public health in relation to nuclear safety.