The world health body says it has not endorsed specific products or services in Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS

WHO warns against 'fraudulent' use of its logo, threatens legal action

The world health body says it has not endorsed specific products or services in Pakistan


Tufail Ahmed April 06, 2020
KARACHI: The World Health Organisation has warned against fraudulent use of the WHO logo and emblem on local products for commercial purposes in Pakistan, threatening it may take legal action if the practice does not stop.

"It has been observed that branding of the WHO is being inappropriately used on local products for commercial gains. The WHO wishes to warn the public of these misleading practices and firmly states that the organisation has not endorsed specific products or services," an official statement issued on Monday said.

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The world health body said its core function is to direct and coordinate international health work through collaboration.

"The WHO partners with the government of Pakistan, the United Nations system, international organisations, civil society, foundations, academia, and research institutions. However, the WHO does not partner with commercial companies," the communique added.

The organisation also cleared that the use of its emblem and logo is governed by a resolution of the First World Health Assembly (resolution WHA1.133), that is accepted by its 194 member states.

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Taking strict notice, the world health body further said that it might take legal action against such enterprises or person that reproduce the WHO logo for "the purpose of self-promotion, or obtaining any commercial or personal financial gain, or use in any manner which implies the WHO endorsement of the products or activities of a commercial enterprise".

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