COVID-19 exposed critical weaknesses in health systems across low-income countries, raising difficult questions about privatisation, public-sector capacity, regulation, transparency and the future of universal health coverage.

The World Health Organization plays a critical role in generating health intelligence, technical guidance and global coordination, but it cannot act as the world’s health “nanny.” This article examines WHO’s role during COVID-19 and why governments, ministries and other organisations must take responsibility for adapting and implementing global health guidance.