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World Health Organization
Since it's founding in 1948, the World Health Organization is
the primary leader concerning world health. WHO, as defined by its
constitution, stands as the directing and coordinating authority on
international healthcare. WHO's main objective is "the attainment
by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health, as
defined in the WHO Constitution, is a state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity." In line with this objective, the Organization has a
wide range of functions, which are the following:
- To act as the directing and coordinating authority on
international health work
- To promote technical cooperation
- To assist Governments, upon request, in strengthening health
services
- To furnish appropriate technical assistance and, in
emergencies, necessary aid, upon the request or acceptance of
Governments
- To stimulate and advance work on the prevention and control of
epidemic, endemic and other diseases
- To promote, in cooperation with other specialized agencies
where necessary, the improvement of nutrition, housing, sanitation,
recreation, economic or working conditions and other aspects of
environmental hygiene
- To promote and coordinate biomedical and health services
research
- To promote improved standards of teaching and training in the
health, medical and related professions
- To establish and stimulate the establishment of international
standards for biological, pharmaceutical and similar products, and
to standardize diagnostic procedures
- To foster activities in the field of mental health, especially
those activities affecting the harmony of human relations
WHO has been successful in their projects for the past 51 years.
They have achieved the eradication of smallpox, which was an
epidemic in 31 countries dated as far back as 1967. They also waged
a campaign against Yaws, a crippling and disfiguring disease and
were able to treat 46 million Yaws patients successfully in 49
countries. By the time Onochocerciasis struck West Africa in 1974,
WHO along with three other UN agencies were able to suppress the
outbreak with the formulation of Ivermectin by 1987.
Though the WHO has successfully eradicated, treated and
controlled a host of deadly diseases, there is always the challenge
for epidemics to re-emerge and new diseases to break out every now
and then. In response to this, WHO acted as catalyst for health
research to serve as watchdog for upcoming and recurring outbreaks.
Such endeavor ranges from evaluating school health programs,
pursuing epidemiological research in remote tropical forests to
monitoring the progress of genetic engineering in the
laboratory.
In achieving its goals, objectives and responsibilities, WHO
considered a holistic approach. Since financial resources and high
technology are big parts in the promotion of health, social
conscience and a commitment to share the advances of health science
throughout society is required. Taking this into account, WHO does
not only concern itself with medical advances but also take into
consideration ethical issues, confidentiality and personal
safety.
WHO is supported by various United Nations
organizations/agencies, governments, and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). One of their partnership projects is with
UNICEF in launching "Baby Friendly Hospitals" for the promotion of
breast-feeding. WHO has also collaborated with UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA,
UNESCO and the World Bank in cosponsoring UNAIDS, a program to
control the spread of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus. In addition, WHO
established the International Program on Chemical Safety with ILO
and UNEP.
WHO's mission is not yet accomplished, as major diseases still
wreck havoc in the world. For as long as there are people plagued
by sickness and diseases, the World Health Organization’s work
never ceases.
Contact Information:
World Health Organization
[Address]
Telephone: [#]
http://www.who.org
Email: [email]
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