Revision Notes: Health Organisations | Life Skills for Year 9 PDF Download

Health Organizations

Health is a top priority for governments worldwide, who take measures at national and global levels to protect their citizens' health.

Common Health Issues in India

India faces a variety of health problems due to its vast size and diverse geographical and climatic conditions.

A. Food and Water Borne Diseases

• Contaminated food and water lead to several diseases, including:
• Diarrhoea
• Gastroenteritis
• Typhoid
• Dysentery

B. Insect and Air Borne Diseases

• Lack of cleanliness fosters the breeding of houseflies and mosquitoes, which are carriers of diseases such as:
• Malaria
• Airborne diseases like tuberculosis, whooping cough, pneumonia, and diarrhoea also pose significant health risks.

Categories of Health Organizations

Health organizations can be categorized into:

• Local Bodies
• National Organisations
• International Organisations

International Health Bodies

1. Red Cross

• The Red Cross is both a national and international agency, formally founded in 1864.
• Its emblem features a red cross on a white background, and 8 May is celebrated as Red Cross Day.
• Major activities include:
• Providing relief to victims of natural disasters such as floods, fires, famines, and earthquakes.
• Procuring and supplying blood to victims of war or other calamities.
• Offering first-aid assistance in accidents.

2. World Health Organization (WHO)

• Established in 1948, WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with its headquarters in Geneva.
• Major activities include:
• Collecting and disseminating information about epidemic diseases.
• Setting pharmaceutical standards for drug purity and dosage.
• Organizing campaigns to control epidemic and endemic diseases.