World Health Organization
Save
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
