World Health Organization - WHO

World Health Organization also known as WHO is a specialized agency of United Nations that works in public interest to improve highest possible international public health. World Health Organization works within the framework of the World Health Organization Constitution and is governed by the World Health Assembly.

World Health Organization has performed an excellent job over the decades in eradication of diseases, prevention of diseases, spreading awareness about outbreaks, precautions, treatments, health guidelines and every detail one must know to fight a disease. World Health Assembly has representation from 194 member states and these states form the World Health Assembly which elects the Director General for tenure of five years renewable. World Health Organization also organizes events, conferences and proposes international conventions and agreements for healthcare.

Just like International Labor Organization, membership of World Health Organization too is open to any state which agrees to abide by the World Health Organization Constitution while being a member. Executive Board of The World Heath Organization consists of 24 members which are elected by the World Health Assembly. This board meets twice every year. World's first ever disease to be eradicated through vaccine was smallpox and World Health Organization played a very important role in this. It conducts research for healthcare as well as advisory and technical functions for global healthcare.

Functions to be performed by World Health Organization are mentioned in its Constitution:

(a) To act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work

(b) To establish and maintain effective collaboration with the United Nations, specialized agencies, governmental health administrations, professional groups and such other organizations as may be deemed appropriate

(d) To furnish appropriate technical assistance and, in emergencies, necessary aid upon the request or acceptance of Governments;

(e) To provide or assist in providing, upon the request of the United Nations, health services and facilities to special groups, such as the peoples of trust territories;

(f) To establish and maintain such administrative and technical services as may be required, including epidemiological and statistical services;

(g) To stimulate and advance work to eradicate epidemic, endemic and other diseases;

(h) To promote, in co-operation with other specialized agencies where necessary, the prevention of accidental injuries;

(i) To promote, in co-operation with other specialized agencies where necessary, the improvement of nutrition, housing, sanitation, recreation, economic or working conditions and other aspects of environmental hygiene;

(j) To promote co-operation among scientific and professional groups which contribute to the advancement of health;

(k) To propose conventions, agreements and regulations, and make recommendations with respect to international health matters and to perform CONSTITUTION OF WHO 3 such duties as may be assigned thereby to the Organization and are consistent with its objective;

(l) To promote maternal and child health and welfare and to foster the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment;

(m) To foster activities in the field of mental health, especially those affecting the harmony of human relations;

(n) To promote and conduct research in the field of health;

(o) To promote improved standards of teaching and training in the health, medical and related professions;

(p) To study and report on, in co-operation with other specialized agencies where necessary, administrative and social techniques affecting public health and medical care from preventive and curative points of view, including hospital services and social security;

(q) To provide information, counsel and assistance in the field of health;

(r) To assist in developing an informed public opinion among all peoples on matters of health;

(s) To establish and revise as necessary international nomenclatures of diseases, of causes of death and of public health practices;

(t) To standardize diagnostic procedures as necessary;

(u) To develop, establish and promote international standards with respect to food, biological, pharmaceutical and similar products;

(v) Generally to take all necessary action to attain the objective of the Organization.