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World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a key global institution established in 1948, dedicated to promoting health and responding to health emergencies. It operates through a governance structure that includes the World Health Assembly, Executive Board, and Secretariat, and focuses on global leadership, setting health standards, disease surveillance, and providing technical support to countries. Major initiatives include the eradication of smallpox, polio, and efforts towards universal health coverage.

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26 views4 pages

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a key global institution established in 1948, dedicated to promoting health and responding to health emergencies. It operates through a governance structure that includes the World Health Assembly, Executive Board, and Secretariat, and focuses on global leadership, setting health standards, disease surveillance, and providing technical support to countries. Major initiatives include the eradication of smallpox, polio, and efforts towards universal health coverage.

Uploaded by

dhimanhashit
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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World Health Organization (WHO):

Guardian of Global Public Health


Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) stands as one of the most vital institutions in the
realm of global governance, tasked with promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving
the vulnerable. As the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the
United Nations system, WHO has played a crucial role in shaping public health policies,
responding to health emergencies, and leading efforts to combat both communicable and non-
communicable diseases.

Since its inception, the WHO has operated with the overarching objective of attaining the highest
possible level of health for all people. From leading the campaign to eradicate smallpox to
coordinating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has remained at the
forefront of humanity’s battle for better health.

Founding and Historical Background


Post-War Globalism and Health Diplomacy

The devastation of World War II led to the establishment of several international organizations
aimed at maintaining peace and improving the human condition. Health was identified as a
fundamental human right, and there was a strong global push for a unified health authority.

The World Health Organization was formally established on 7 April 1948, a date now
celebrated as World Health Day. The WHO succeeded the Health Organization of the League
of Nations and absorbed various international health bodies existing at the time.

Founding Principles

The WHO Constitution declares that “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It further recognizes health as
one of the fundamental rights of every human being.

Structure and Governance


WHO’s governance structure ensures equitable representation from all member states while
facilitating expert leadership in global health.
1. World Health Assembly (WHA)

 The supreme decision-making body of WHO.


 Meets annually in Geneva.
 Composed of delegations from all 194 Member States.
 Approves the WHO budget, reviews policies, and appoints the Director-General.

2. Executive Board

 Composed of 34 technically qualified members.


 Implements the decisions of the WHA and advises it.
 Oversees the technical and administrative aspects.

3. Secretariat

 Headed by the Director-General.


 Includes thousands of public health experts, doctors, epidemiologists, and support staff.
 The current Director-General (as of 2024) is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

4. Regional Offices

WHO operates six regional offices:

 AFRO (Africa)
 AMRO/PAHO (Americas)
 SEARO (South-East Asia)
 EURO (Europe)
 EMRO (Eastern Mediterranean)
 WPRO (Western Pacific)

Core Functions and Mandate


According to its Constitution and strategic goals, the WHO has the following key
responsibilities:

1. Global Leadership on Health Matters

WHO shapes international health policy, promotes evidence-based practices, and sets global
health agendas.

2. Setting Norms and Standards


WHO develops global standards for health and healthcare. This includes issuing International
Health Regulations (IHR), clinical guidelines, and disease classification systems like the
International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

3. Disease Surveillance and Response

WHO coordinates responses to outbreaks and emergencies. It monitors disease trends and
supports countries in managing pandemics and epidemics.

4. Technical Support to Countries

WHO assists nations in building health systems, training healthcare workers, and establishing
laboratories and hospitals.

5. Monitoring Health Trends

WHO regularly publishes data on global health, including the World Health Statistics, Global
Health Observatory, and World Health Report.

Major Health Programs and Initiatives


1. Smallpox Eradication

Perhaps WHO’s most notable success, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 after a global
immunization campaign coordinated by the WHO.

2. Polio Eradication Initiative

Started in 1988, this program has led to a dramatic drop in polio cases globally. WHO
collaborates with partners like UNICEF, Rotary International, and the CDC.

3. Global Tuberculosis Program

WHO has led the international fight against TB through its End TB Strategy, aimed at
eliminating TB by 2030.

4. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

WHO promotes UHC to ensure that everyone receives the health services they need without
financial hardship.

5. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)


This global treaty, adopted in 2003, aims to reduce tobacco consumption through taxation,
advertisement bans, and public education.

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