What is the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the body that coordinates international health efforts. They are aimed at improving people's health, preventing and treating diseases. WHO's mission is to ensure that all people achieve the highest possible level of health.

The World Health Organization is a division of the United Nations. The headquarters is located in Geneva. Since 2017, it has been headed by the Ethiopian statesman Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He will be re-elected for a second term in 2022. The CEO has a Master's degree in Infectious Disease Immunology and a Ph.D. Previously served as Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

The emblem of the World Health Organization remains unchanged. It depicts the UN symbol (planet), against the background of which is a staff entwined with a snake - this is an international medical symbol that came to us from ancient Greek mythology.

The World Health Organization employs more than 8 thousand specialists: doctors, epidemiologists, scientists, and managers. They conduct health monitoring, formulate an agenda for research, develop norms and standards in health matters, and monitor their implementation. The knowledge and experience of the world's leading experts allows us to implement international projects in a variety of areas of public health.

The organization's sources of funding are mandatory and voluntary contributions. Mandatory contributions are paid by participating countries. Their size is calculated based on the state’s GDP. About 80% of the budget comes from voluntary contributions from participating countries, as well as from other UN organizations, intergovernmental organizations, philanthropic foundations and the private sector.

What does WHO do?

The World Health Organization coordinates international health policy. In total there are about 60 teams in its structure. They cover areas such as brain health, wellness, nutrition and food safety, the impact of climate change on health, and many others.

Main activities

• Non-communicable diseases

More than 70% of deaths worldwide are due to non-communicable diseases. These include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases, mental health disorders, etc. WHO specialists implement programs for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

An example is the creation of a global pact to combat diabetes .

• Infectious diseases

One of the organization’s tasks is to prevent, mitigate and stop the spread of infections. This includes monitoring the spread of seasonal flu and updating the list of vaccines annually.

Examples are the eradication of polio and guinea worm disease, significant progress in the treatment of HIV, the largest and most complex vaccination against coronavirus.

• Preparedness, surveillance and response

When global health emergencies occur, experts develop strategies and step-by-step guidance, assess risks, and propose a set of recovery measures.

Examples are recommendations in a pandemic, liquidation of the consequences of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

• Promoting health throughout life

World Health Organization staff are working to eliminate social, physical and economic conditions in society that negatively affect health.

An example is the reduction of tobacco consumption in 150 countries.

• Health systems

The World Health Organization is interested in developing high-quality information resources about diseases and health conditions.

Example - a statistical information system has been created.

History of the creation of WHO

Countries wanted to combine their efforts in healthcare back in the 14th century. This was due to the fact that epidemics and pandemics occurred from time to time.

1839 - The first prototype of the World Health Organization appeared - the Constantinople Supreme Council of Health.

1851 - The first International Sanitary Convention was adopted.

1902 - The Pan American Sanitary Bureau is created.

1907 - The Public Hygiene Bureau in Europe is opened.

1823 - The International Health Organization of the League of Nations is created.

1945 - At a meeting on the creation of the UN, diplomats, among other things, agreed on the creation of a global health organization.

On April 7, 1948, the constitution of the World Health Organization came into force. All its activities are based on the principle of “Health for all”.

WHO member countries

The World Health Organization is open to all countries. To join it, you need to accept the charter. It spells out the principles, rights and obligations of participating countries. Thus, countries undertake to report on measures taken and achievements, as well as to transmit statistical and epidemiological data.

There are now 194 states in the World Health Organization . The participating countries are united by region, each of which has its own bureau:

• African region
• Eastern Mediterranean Region
• European region
• Americas Region
• Southeast Asia region
• Western Pacific

What is health according to WHO

The preamble to the World Health Organization's constitution defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. It is a necessary and universal condition for achieving all human aspirations. The highest possible attainment of health is a fundamental human right that cannot be denied by any government.

world health day

April 7, 2023 is World Health Day and the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization. This is an excellent occasion to remember what has been done over the years and motivate people to treat their health with attention and care.

Every year, a holiday theme is chosen that is relevant for all countries. Over the years, the theme of World Health Day has been the fight against mental illness, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, climate change, etc.

The theme for 2023 is “Health for All.” It is a reminder that the right to health is a fundamental human right and everyone should have access to the health services they need. Official hashtags: #HealthForAll #WHO75.

This day is a global campaign to raise awareness of health issues. As part of World Health Day, charity events, open training sessions, city flash mobs, conferences and lectures are held.

12 recommendations from the World Health Organization

1. Eat a varied diet , giving preference to foods of plant origin.
2. Eat 400g of fruits and vegetables every day.
3. Include legumes, nuts and whole grains in your diet.
4. Limit your sugar and salt intake.
5. Choose dairy products with reduced fat content.
6. Limit your fat intake to less than 30% of your total energy intake.
7. Limit your consumption of baked and fried foods.
8. Stop drinking alcohol or reduce how often you drink it.
9. Stop smoking.
10. Stay physically active (at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week).
11. Get enough sleep: Sleep should be 7-8 hours.
12. Take preventative measures: undergo medical examinations, vaccinations, preventive examinations and examinations.