Clarification to the media and partners

WHO/Iraq: The World Health Organization (WHO) would like to clarify that a number of people have been talking to the media and disseminating information to the public under the guise of working for the World Health Organization (WHO), or being WHO consultants.

Please note that any spokespersons appearing in the media that have not been directly identified or nominated via WHO’s headquarters, regional or country offices cannot be considered as representing WHO, and what they say cannot be attributed to WHO.

Additionally, WHO spokespersons or staff will never send official information in form of personal text/voice messages via WhatsApp or other digital platforms. All official information to the public is shared via WHO’s official web sites, social media channels, and the new WHO official WhatsApp chatbot connected to the number +41 79 893 18 92 (the service is currently available in English but more languages will soon be added).

Media outlets and partners are kindly requested to alert us to any person (not identified/nominated by WHO) claiming to represent WHO, so we can confirm and clarify, in an effort to stop misinformation or wrong facts being shared.

For information on COVID-19, please check the following WHO HQ and RO websites:

WHO HQ: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

WHO RO (EMRO): http://www.emro.who.int/index.html