. @zeynep is right WHO and other big institutions took too long to get on board with masks. Frankly, it took them decades to get on board with treating HIV and multi-drug resistant TB too. That is to say, we need them, but we need outside pressure always to press them harder. 1/

This isn't to succumb to an anti-instutionalism, as in "they never get it right, who needs them", but makes the case that institutions don't function best when left w/o anyone to keep them honest. This is the entire story of activism on AIDS, TB, HCV over past 30 years. 2/

We also have to recognize that these institutions answer to their political masters, WHO to member states, CDC to the White House, etc. opens them up to political interference, etc. This is what happened to CDC in US. 3/

So, they may see themselves as technical agencies but their agendas get set often by others. 4/

And they are prickly when attacked as they see it as just another attempt to interfere. I know it sounds odd but it took time for WHO in AIDS to understand that we were allies, with significant criticism of their work, but weren't there to burn them down. 5/

But I'll tell you this. The arsonists are watching. De-regulationists, libertarians watched activists on FDA & hijacked our agenda to great success. They are back now as hyenas at the edges of these discussions looking to undermine these institutions. We just have to be wary. 6/

So, yes, criticize WHO, CDC, NIH, FDA and bring the receipts. But keep an eye out behind you for those who would like to blow the whole thing up. That's sort of what I've learned in 30 years of watching these agencies. end/