World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, disease prevention, health policy coordination, and the promotion of the highest attainable standard of health for all people. Established on 7 April 1948 following the entry into force of the Constitution of the World Health Organization, the Organization succeeded several earlier international health bodies, including the Office International d'Hygiène Publique and the health functions of the League of Nations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO serves as the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system, working with governments, health institutions, researchers, and international organizations to address global health challenges.
The World Health Organization develops international health standards, guidelines, and policies while coordinating responses to communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health emergencies, pandemics, and humanitarian crises. Its principal responsibilities include disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccination programmes, health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, nutrition, environmental health, mental health, occupational health, pharmaceutical regulation, and emergency preparedness. The WHO administers the International Health Regulations (IHR), coordinates international responses to public health emergencies of international concern, and maintains global health classification systems such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which serves as the international standard for disease classification and health statistics.
In addition to health coordination, the WHO conducts scientific research, publishes evidence-based recommendations, and develops global health strategies relating to infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tobacco control, air pollution, climate change, digital health, artificial intelligence, and universal health coverage. The Organization publishes influential reports, health statistics, technical guidance, and policy recommendations while supporting countries through technical assistance, laboratory networks, emergency medical teams, and capacity-building programmes. It also oversees numerous international health initiatives, including immunization campaigns, disease eradication programmes, and pandemic preparedness efforts.
The World Health Organization works closely with institutions including the United Nations, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. It also collaborates with national health ministries, research institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations, and public health agencies worldwide. Through international health coordination, scientific research, technical cooperation, and emergency response, the World Health Organization serves as the leading global authority for public health and the promotion of international health security.