World Health Organization (WHO)

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is responsible for the International Classification of Diseases, the worldwide standard diagnostic tool for health management and clinical purposes.

Photograph of the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

History

The WHO was established by the UN on April 7, 1948. Its constitution formally came into force on the first World Health Day, April 7, 1948, when it was ratified by the 26th member state. Prior to this, health organizations, both international and regional, were coordinated by the League of Nations Health Organization, and the International Office of Public Health in Paris.

Structure

The WHO is governed by member states through the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board. The Assembly is composed of representatives from WHO's member states, while the Executive Board is made up of health experts. The Secretariat, led by the Director-General, implements the decisions and policies made by these governing bodies.

Functions

The WHO's primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the UN's system. This includes providing 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.

Programs and campaigns

The WHO organizes work in epidemic control, quarantine, and drug standardization. It has played a leading role in several public health achievements, most notably the eradication of smallpox, the near-eradication of polio, and the development of an Ebola vaccine.

Criticisms and controversies

The WHO has been subject to various criticisms and controversies throughout its existence. These include allegations of excessive concentration of power, slow response to health emergencies, and undue influence of pharmaceutical companies.