London- The World Health Organization (WHO) made a statement on circulated wrong information that was referenced to the world body. In its statement, the WHO said media-spread citations on illegitimate children being conceived and born during religious ceremonies in eastern Iraq are false—Asharq Al-Awsat had previously published an article on the subject.
The international body’s statement said that all quotes published on an online portal are untrue and cannot be referenced to the organization.
The WHO criticized the exploitation of its name and authenticity by the website “aswat hurra” or otherwise known by “Free Voices.” The media outlet had misleadingly cited one of the organization’s spokespersons based in Geneva.
The WHO condemned the website, and renounced the report saying that it was fabricated and did not go with the moral set and values upheld by the body.
As for the source of the incorrect information, it is being investigated—the international body also mentioned the possibility of legal action being taken.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Ala Alwan, in a letter sent to Asharq Al-Awsat, confirmed that the organization had not made any statements on the subject matter, and that he strongly condemns the false citation and referencing the incorrect information to the WHO in media reports.
Dr. Alwan added that the report made does not relate or fall in line with the principals and values held and promoted by the health body.
More so, the organization warned the abuse of its title in such matters by the media, especially first fact checking the information.
The organization had already renounced the first misleading report concerning the matter on Friday, Nov.18, 2016.
The pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reaffirms its commitment to the ethical standards of journalism and genuineness, based on that, the newspaper hereby publishes this repudiation against misleading information previously cited in an article.
Given that the report does not abide by rules on work ethics, morals, precision or objectivity Asharq Al-Awsat reveals that the Baghdad-based editor, responsible for the false excerpt, has been dismissed.
WHO Renounces Misleading Citation on Iraq's Karbala
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