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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