Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Southeast Asia regional director, has said she chose to resign from her position because she does not believe in leadership that “spreads lies and false rumours.”
In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Wazed said she had been cleared of fraud allegations, arguing that she had not even travelled to China. She also said allegations concerning the misrepresentation of her academic credentials had been dropped.
“You should fact check with WHO before making such statements,” Wazed said, urging those making allegations against her to verify the claims with the organisation.
She said her educational qualifications could also be verified through her university’s alumni page.
Wazed further accused WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of using “lies” to harass, humiliate and intimidate her, saying she had endured the situation for a year without an income.
“I chose to resign because I don’t believe in leadership that spreads lies and false rumours,” she said.
Wazed said she now wants to return to making contributions to the world, particularly by advocating for mental health, autism and disability rights—areas in which she said she has worked throughout her career.
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