I The WHO is the United Nations’ specialized agency for health, established in 1948.
Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the UN system.
Its core mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
Major Initiatives: 1. Successfully led smallpox eradication (certified in 1980) 2. Launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988 3. Led the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria 4. Created the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 5. Spearheaded response to various disease outbreaks including SARS, H1N1, Ebola, and COVID-19
Priorities: 1. Universal Health Coverage – ensuring everyone can access essential health services 2. Health Emergency Response – coordinating international responses to outbreaks and emergencies 3. Promoting Population Health – addressing non-communicable diseases, mental health, and environmental health 4. Strengthening Health Systems – supporting countries to build robust healthcare infrastructure 5. Antimicrobial Resistance – combating the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens