Culture Of Harassment Uncovered in One of Europe’s Biggest Health NGOs -EPHA That Is Based In Brussels
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 26, 2024 6 months, 4 weeks, 10 hours, 52 minutes ago
Medical News: The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), based in Brussels, has long been a cornerstone of advocacy for public health in Europe. For over 25 years, it has been a respected voice for medical professionals, patients and medical researchers influencing EU health policy at the highest levels. However, recent allegations of harassment and a toxic work environment have thrown the organization into turmoil. This
Medical News report delves into the crisis at EPHA, exploring the accusations, the investigation, and the broader implications for public health advocacy in Europe.
Culture Of Harassment Uncovered in One of Europe’s Biggest Health NGOs -EPHA
The Unraveling of EPHA
In early 2024, EPHA faced an unprecedented crisis. Allegations of harassment and bullying surfaced, leading to a wave of resignations that shook the organization to its core. The NGO, which represents nearly 70 member organizations, found itself in a precarious position as its credibility and future were called into question.
Allegations and Resignations
The trouble began in February with an anonymous letter from a group of former employees. The letter detailed a work environment rife with “harassment, intimidation, and bullying,” and criticized the organization’s leadership for creating a “toxic and hostile work environment.” Central to these complaints was the accusation that the leadership, dominated by a husband-and-wife team, lacked accountability and transparency.
Milka Sokolović, who became EPHA’s Director General in 2021, and her husband, Aleksandar Sokolović, who joined the NGO shortly after her, were at the heart of the controversy. Aleksandar initially joined as a consultant and later became the head of organizational development. The couple’s leadership style and alleged “double standards in management and values” were focal points of the former employees’ grievances.
The Investigation
In response to the allegations, EPHA hired Belgian law firm Thales to conduct an independent investigation. This decision, however, did not quell the unrest. Many within the organization and its member groups criticized the investigation for its lack of transparency and limited scope.
Findings and Fallout
The investigation, which cost the NGO at least €60,000, concluded without finding evidence of harassment or discrimination. Despite this, the crisis deepened as key figures within EPHA continued to resign. By mid-2024, the NGO had lost almost all its board members, including its president, treasurer, and 14 out of its 15 expert advisers.
Denis Onyango, EPHA’s Programs Director, was one of the prominent figures to step down. In his resignation letter, Onyango expressed distrust in Thales’ investigation, citing its lack of transparency and failure to address all concerns raised by ex-staffers. His departure was soon followed by the resignations of Vice President Freek Spinnewijn
and board member Brian Ward.
The Impact on EPHA and Public Health Advocacy
The chaos within EPHA has had significant repercussions beyond the organization itself. EPHA has been a leading advocate for public health issues in Brussels, representing a wide range of groups, from patients with cancer and mental illness to doctors and nurses. The internal turmoil has jeopardized this united front, weakening the collective voice of public health advocacy in Europe.
Credibility and Trust
The negative impact on EPHA’s credibility has been profound. According to a source with deep knowledge of the organization, the crisis has severely damaged the reputation of public health civil society in Europe. The source, who spoke anonymously, emphasized the urgent need for leadership change to restore trust and credibility.
The release of an “accountability report” in April, which praised the NGO’s achievements under Sokolović’s leadership, only added fuel to the fire. The report’s timing and tone were criticized by several member organizations, who felt it was an attempt to paint an overly positive picture amid the ongoing crisis.
Future Prospects and Rebuilding Trust
As EPHA grapples with the fallout from the allegations and subsequent resignations, its future remains uncertain. The NGO’s ability to regroup and rebuild trust will be crucial in determining its continued role in public health advocacy.
Leadership and Governance
The upcoming annual general assembly (AGA) in June is seen as a pivotal moment for EPHA. There is hope that the election of a new board with a clear mandate can help stabilize the organization and restore confidence among its stakeholders. Nicolas Philippou, one of the board members who resigned, expressed optimism that a constructive AGA could help rebuild trust and ensure EPHA’s future success.
Financial Stability
Despite the internal turmoil, EPHA has managed to secure renewed financial backing from the EU. A significant portion of its funding comes from an EU operating grant, which was reconfirmed by the European Commission for 2023. This financial stability is vital for the NGO as it navigates its current challenges.
Conclusion
The crisis at EPHA has highlighted significant issues within one of Europe’s most influential health NGOs. Allegations of harassment and a toxic work environment have not only disrupted the organization but have also cast a shadow over public health advocacy in Europe. As EPHA moves forward, the focus will be on rebuilding trust, ensuring transparency, and re-establishing its role as a leading voice for public health in the EU.
The upcoming months will be critical for EPHA as it seeks to overcome the “devastating damage” it has suffered. The organization’s ability to emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient will be a testament to its commitment to public health and the values it stands for.
The detailed expose of the EPHA Toxic culture was covered by the news platform: Polito.EU. Details can be found at their site:
https://www.politico.eu/article/epha-eu-public-health-alliance-ngo-brussels-toxic-work-environment-claims-nepotism-harassment-discrimination/
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