World Health Organisation | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with its main objective to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people. Established on April 7, 1948, the WHO has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and operates through six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide. Its mandate includes promoting health worldwide, ensuring global safety, and serving vulnerable populations.

Mandate and Priorities

• The WHO's core mandates encompass various aspects of public health, including advocating for universal health care coverage, monitoring and responding to public health risks, coordinating emergency responses, and promoting overall health and well-being. 
• It sets international health standards, provides technical assistance to countries, and collects vital data on global health issues. Notably, the WHO has played a crucial role in achievements like eradicating smallpox, near-eradicating polio, and developing an Ebola vaccine. 
• Its current focus includes communicable diseases (HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis), non-communicable diseases (heart disease and cancer), nutrition, food security, occupational health, and substance abuse.

Leadership and Funding

• The World Health Assembly serves as the governing body, electing an executive board comprising 34 health specialists. The director-general, currently Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia, is selected by the Assembly. 
• This body sets goals, priorities, and approves the budget and activities. The WHO relies on contributions from member states and private donors for funding, with a majority coming from voluntary contributions. Notable contributors include Germany, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United States.

Challenges and Evolving Role

In recent times, the WHO has faced challenges due to the emergence of new actors in global health, such as the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and public-private partnerships. These developments have altered the WHO's role as a coordinator and policy leader in the field of public health.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization continues to play a critical role in advancing global health and responding to various health challenges. Despite facing challenges in recent times, it remains a key international agency working towards the betterment of health for all. World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, serves as a reminder of the WHO's ongoing commitment to improving public health worldwide.