United in Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct (PRS): Highlights from WHO PRS Workshop

More than 50 participants from WHO and its partners from government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and academic institutions gathered for a day of learning, sharing, and action at the WHO Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct (PRS) workshop on 24 September 2025. Under a shared commitment to safeguarding both the people we work with and the communities we serve, the workshop aims to reinforce WHO’s zero-tolerance standards and ensure safety is at the heart of every public health collaboration. 

Central to this effort is WHO’s Policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct (PASM), introduced in 2023. This policy establishes clear standards to prevent and respond to all forms of sexual misconduct—a broad term encompassing sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and other types of sexual misconduct.

Under the PASM policy, no form of sexual misconduct is accepted, ignored, or tolerated. It prioritizes prevention, centers survivors, and sends a clear message: bystanders must speak up—no perpetrator should go unnoticed.

The workshop is part of WHO Thailand’s ongoing commitment to ensure that WHO staff, government partners, and collaborators not only understand this PASM policy but also embrace it as a shared responsibility. This was endorsed by Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.

Opening remarks from Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Inspector General of Health Region 7, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH); and Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist at WHO Thailand

During the opening remarks, Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Inspector General of Health Region 7 and representative of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), set a clear tone:

"Preventing and responding to sexual misconduct is a priority for MOPH, and ensuring a safe workplace is essential before health workers can effectively serve others."

He reaffirmed the joint commitment of WHO Thailand and MOPH, emphasizing a united front where neither organization will accept, overlook, or excuse any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.

Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist at WHO Thailand, echoed this message on behalf of WHO Representative to Thailand, Dr Ailan Li, highlighting WHO’s strong commitment to PRS as a global priority. She noted Thailand’s global leadership on PRS as shown at the 78th World Health Assembly, where the Thai representative stressed the importance of cultural transformation, transparent handling of allegations, and ongoing capacity building to strengthen accountability and protection across the health system.

Ms. Thanatporn Rawanghet moderated the event with presentations from Ms. Mara Frigo, Ms. Anju Pandey, Ms. Sapna Dubey on WHO’s policy, strategy and accountability framework

During the event, WHO technical expert s— Ms. Anju Pandey, Regional Advisor on PRS and Gender, Equity and Rights (GER); Ms. Mara Frigo, Technical Officer on PRSEAH at WHO HQ; and Ms. Sapna Dubey, Junior Public Health Professional at WHO SEARO — guided participants through key definitions, principles, obligations, and accountability pathways outlined in the PASM framework. They also explained the available reporting channels.

To translate this knowledge into personal and organizational commitment, the workshop featured a creative session led by Ms. Avnee Patel, creative artist. Participants used art to express what the principles of PRS mean to them, sparking reflection and dialogue. This was followed by an engaging discussion where attendees debated the boundaries of misconduct within Thailand’s cultural context. Through the analysis of real-life case studies, participants practiced applying WHO’s PRS guidance, equipping them with practical skills to address incidents in their own work environments.

Participants collaborate in groups, using art to express their understanding and commitment to PRS led by Ms. Avnee Patel

Participants joined the activity “Draw the Line” which is an interactive exercise to help participants explore boundaries around acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, particularly related to sexual misconduct in Thai context

The workshop concluded with strengthened partnerships and a shared dedication to uphold WHO’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct. By combining policy education with creative and interactive approaches, WHO Thailand and its partners are building a culture where accountability, respect, and safety are not just ideals—but everyday realities.