What is the World Health Organization and why does it matter?
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.
The WHO’s objective, as set out in its constitution, is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.” Its major tasks are to:
- Combat disease, especially key infectious diseases, and promote the general health of the people of the world.
- Promote the development of sustainable health systems based on primary health care.
- Promote universal health coverage.
- Provide leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
The WHO works with governments and other partners to ensure that everyone has access to the health services they need, when and where they need them. It also works to ensure that health systems are strong enough to withstand crises and deliver quality health services to everyone.
The WHO is funded by assessed contributions from its member states, as well as voluntary contributions from governments, other organizations, and individuals. Its budget for the 2020-2021 biennium is US$4.84 billion.
The WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly, which is composed of representatives from all 194 member states. The Assembly meets annually to set the WHO’s policies and approve its budget. The WHO’s Executive Board is responsible for implementing the Assembly’s decisions and overseeing the WHO’s work.
The WHO has six regional offices:
- Africa (AFRO)
- Americas (AMRO)
- Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO)
- Europe (EURO)
- South-East Asia (SEARO)
- Western Pacific (WPRO)
The WHO also has a number of specialized centers and collaborating centers around the world. These centers conduct research, provide training, and offer technical assistance to countries.
The WHO is a vital part of the global health system. It plays a leading role in promoting health, preventing disease, and responding to health crises. The WHO’s work helps to save lives, improve health, and make the world a healthier place for everyone.
Here are some of the key reasons why the WHO matters:
- The WHO is a global leader in public health. It sets standards and guidelines for health care, and it works to improve health systems around the world.
- The WHO provides technical assistance to countries. This assistance can help countries to improve their health systems, prevent and control diseases, and respond to health emergencies.
- The WHO coordinates global health efforts. It brings together governments, health organizations, and other partners to work towards common health goals.
- The WHO advocates for health. It speaks out for the health of all people, and it works to reduce health inequalities.
The WHO is a vital part of the global health system. It plays a leading role in promoting health, preventing disease, and responding to health crises. The WHO’s work helps to save lives, improve health, and make the world a healthier place for everyone.
What is the World Health Organization and why does it matter?
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