Syrian Arab Republic: Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Corruption at WHO’s Syria Office
An internal investigation by the World Health Organization (WHO) into its Syria office has uncovered claims of financial mismanagement, corruption, and the provision of gifts to senior government officials by the agency’s representative, Dr. Akjemal Magtymova.
WHO’s Syria Office - Budget and Concerns
WHO’s Syria office had a budget of over $115 million last year to address health issues in the country. The Syrian health care system faces a grueling war and a crippling financial crisis. With such a large budget, it is crucial that the funds are managed effectively and ethically.
Confidential documents, messages, and other materials obtained by The Associated Press reveal that WHO staff expressed concerns about Dr. Magtymova’s abusive behavior, pressure to sign contracts with high-ranking Syrian government officials, and mismanagement of WHO and donor funds.
Allegations Against Dr. Akjemal Magtymova
Dr. Magtymova, a Turkmenistan national, declined to respond to questions regarding the allegations, stating she was “prohibited” from doing so as a WHO staff member. She described the accusations as “defamatory.”
The allegations against Dr. Magtymova include:
- Holding a party worth over $10,000 during the pandemic, primarily to honor her own achievements at WHO’s expense.
- Requesting that more than 100 WHO personnel in the country learn a flash mob dance and make videos for a U.N. party during the pandemic.
- Calling her colleagues “cowards” and “retarded” on multiple occasions.
- Providing favors to senior politicians in the Syrian regime.
- Potentially violating the WHO’s neutrality as a U.N. organization by meeting secretly with the Russian military.
- Hiring the incompetent relatives of Syrian government officials.
- Favoritism, frauds, and scandals that have resulted in the waste of resources.
Staff Complaints and Inaction by WHO Leadership
In May, a staffer in Syria sent a complaint to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressing concern over Dr. Magtymova’s actions and instructions to staff during the pandemic, which contradicted WHO’s own COVID-19 guidance. No response was given by Tedros. Dr. Magtymova was placed on leave but continues to draw a director-level salary and is still listed as the agency’s Syria representative in its staff directory.
Criticism of WHO’s Presence in Syria
The investigation follows years of criticism regarding WHO’s presence in Syria, where the agency’s aid has been directed by the government and raised concerns of favoritism towards the ruling regime. Nearly 7 million Syrians are displaced within the country and most live in tented camps beyond government control.
Contradictory Actions During the Pandemic
Staffers questioned Dr. Magtymova’s actions and instructions to staff during the pandemic, which contradicted WHO’s own COVID-19 guidance. Her disregard for WHO’s guidance potentially put lives at risk and led some staffers to describe the situation as “disgraceful.”
Mismanagement of Donor Funds
Further reports and internal documents suggest that WHO’s taxpayer-provided funds were mismanaged under Dr. Magtymova. This includes a party Dr. Magtymova organized to celebrate her receiving a leadership award from Tufts University, which cost over $11,000 and included extravagant menu items and a production company to create a promotional video. Additionally, Dr. Magtymova stayed in a luxurious suite at the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus at a discounted cost that was over four times the normal rate for other U.N. staff.
The mismanagement of funds highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in humanitarian organizations and the need for effective scrutiny of their activities.