World health organization
World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group. Its predecessor, the Health Organization, was an agency of the League of Nations.
History[edit | edit source]
The constitution of the World Health Organization had been signed by 61 countries on 22 July 1946, with the first meeting of the World Health Assembly finishing on 24 July 1948. It incorporated the Office International d'Hygiène Publique and the League of Nations Health Organization. Since its creation, it has played a leading role in the eradication of smallpox. Its current priorities include communicable diseases, in particular HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; the mitigation of the effects of non-communicable diseases; sexual and reproductive health, development, and aging; nutrition, food security, and healthy eating; occupational health; substance abuse; and driving the development of reporting, publications, and networking.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization is governed by two decision-making bodies: the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board. The Assembly is composed of representatives from WHO's Member States and meets annually in Geneva. The Executive Board is composed of members technically qualified in health and gives effect to the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly.
Activities[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization's primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. Main areas of work include: health systems; health through the life-course; noncommunicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.
Criticism and Controversies[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization has been subject to criticism for various matters, particularly its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics claim that the organization is overly dependent on member states and that its structure and operations are overly bureaucratic.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
