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World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

Mission and Objectives

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.

Structure and Governance

The WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly, which is composed of delegates from all WHO member states. The Assembly meets annually to set the organization's policies and budget. The WHO is also governed by the Executive Board, which is composed of 34 members elected by the Assembly. The Board meets twice a year to implement the Assembly's policies and oversee the organization's work.

Funding

The WHO is funded by assessed contributions from member states, voluntary contributions from governments and other organizations, and income from investments. The organization's budget for the 2018-2019 biennium is $4.4 billion.

Activities

The WHO works in a wide range of areas, including:

  • Communicable diseases
  • Noncommunicable diseases
  • Mental health
  • Maternal and child health
  • Nutrition
  • Environmental health
  • Health systems
  • Health emergencies

The WHO also works to promote health equity and universal health coverage. The organization has a number of initiatives to address these issues, including the Global Health Sector Strategy on Health Equity and the Universal Health Coverage Partnership.

Impact

The WHO has had a significant impact on global health. The organization's work has helped to reduce the burden of disease and improve the health of people around the world. The WHO has also played a leading role in the fight against major health threats, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Challenges

The WHO faces a number of challenges, including:

  • The increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases
  • The emergence of new and re-emerging infectious diseases
  • The growing gap between rich and poor countries in terms of health outcomes
  • The need to strengthen health systems
  • The need to promote health equity and universal health coverage

The Future of the WHO

The WHO is facing a number of challenges, but the organization is also well-positioned to make a significant contribution to improving the health of people around the world. The WHO has a strong track record of success, and the organization is committed to working with its member states to achieve the highest possible level of health for all.

Careers in the World Health Organization

The WHO offers a variety of career opportunities for professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. The organization is always looking for qualified candidates to fill positions in a variety of areas, including:

  • Public health
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Health administration
  • Health economics
  • Health policy
  • Health informatics
  • Health communication

If you are interested in a career in the World Health Organization, you can find more information on the organization's website.

Online Courses on the World Health Organization

There are a number of online courses available on the World Health Organization. These courses can help you to learn about the organization's history, mission, and work. You can also learn about the different career opportunities available at the WHO.

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the World Health Organization. These courses can provide you with a flexible and affordable way to learn about the organization and its work. You can also learn from experts in the field and connect with other professionals.

If you are interested in learning more about the World Health Organization, I encourage you to explore the online courses available. These courses can help you to gain a better understanding of the organization and its work. You can also learn about the different career opportunities available at the WHO.

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Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in World Health Organization.
Provides a detailed overview of the role of the WHO in global health.
Provides a detailed analysis of the role of the WHO in the global health crisis.
Provides a detailed history of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
Provides a detailed history of the WHO Regional Office for the Americas.
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