World Health Organization (WHO)

Description:

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the authority responsible to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. WHO was founded in 1948.

WHO’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. It sets health-based norms and standards, monitors and assesses health trends, articulates evidence-based policy options and provides support during emergencies.

WHO’s main areas of work are: health systems, health through the life-course, noncommunicable and communicable diseases, preparedness, surveillance and response and, finally, corporate services. WHO supports countries as they coordinate the efforts of governments and partners – including bi- and multilaterals, funds and foundations, civil society organizations and the private sector.

The WHO headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO staff works with 194 Member States, across six regions, in more than 150 offices. The WHO Regional Office for Europe is, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) is located in Bonn, Germany.

The Thirteenth General Programme of Work defines WHO’s strategy for the period 2019-2023. It focuses on impacts on people’s health and promotes three bold targets: Each one billion more people benefit from universal health coverage, are better protected from health emergencies and enjoy better health and well-being.

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