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World health
organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) was created in 1948 by member
states of the United Nations (UN) as a specialized agency with a broad
mandate for health. The WHO is the world's leading health organization. Its
policies and programs have a far-reaching impact on the status of
international public health.
Defined by its constitution as "the directing and coordinating authority on
international health work," WHO aims at "the attainment by all peoples of
the highest possible standard of health." Its mission is to improve people's
lives, to reduce the burdens of disease and poverty, and to provide access to
responsive health care for all people
WHO's responsibilities and functions include assisting governments in
strengthening health services; establishing and maintaining administrative
and technical services, such as epidemiological and statistical services;
stimulating the eradication of diseases; improving nutrition, housing,
sanitation, working conditions and other aspects of environmental hygiene;
promoting cooperation among scientific and professional groups; proposing
international conventions and agreements on health matters; conducting
research; developing international standards for food, and biological and
pharmaceutical products; and developing an informed public opinion among
all peoples on matters of health. WHO operations are carried out by three
distinct components: the World Health Assembly, the executive board, and
the secretariat. The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making
body, and it meets annually, with participation of ministers of health from
its 191-member nations. In a real sense, the WHO is an international health
cooperative that monitors the state of the world's health and takes steps to
improve the health status of individual countries and of the world
community.
BY: JIBIN.M. SAJI
CLASS: 1O B #WESHALLRISE
38