What is the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) began when the Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date that is now celebrated every year as World Health Day. The WHO are now more than 7000 people from more than 150 countries working in 150 country offices, in six regional offices and at headquarters in Geneva.

Content

The WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

It's goal is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being.

For universal health coverage, it:  

• focuses on primary health care to improve access to quality essential services
• works towards sustainable financing and financial protection
• improves access to essential medicines and health products
• trains the health workforce and advises on labour policies
• supports people's participation in national health policies
• improves monitoring, data and information.

For health emergencies, it:

• prepares for emergencies by identifying, mitigating and managing risks
• prevents emergencies and supports development of tools necessary during outbreaks
• detects and responds to acute health emergencies
• supports delivery of essential health services in fragile settings.

For health and well-being, it:

• address social determinants
• promotes intersectoral approaches for health
• prioritises health in all policies and healthy settings.