World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United

Nations responsible for international public health.
Purpose of the World Health Organization
(WHO)
1 Global Health 2 Health Systems 3 Emergency
Leadership Development Preparedness and
Response
The WHO sets priorities, The WHO supports
promotes policies, and countries in The WHO plays a crucial
coordinates strengthening their role in responding to
international efforts to healthcare systems to global health
improve public health. ensure equitable access emergencies and
for all. coordinating
international aid.
History of the WHO
1 1948
The World Health Organization (WHO) is established as a specialized agency
of the United Nations. Its constitution comes into force on April 7, 1948, with
the goal of promoting the highest possible level of health for all people,
regardless of their social or economic status.

2 1978
The Alma-Ata Declaration is adopted at the International Conference on
Primary Health Care. The declaration emphasizes primary healthcare as a
fundamental right for all and calls for the attainment of a level of health that
enables all people to lead socially and economically productive lives.

3 2003
The WHO leads the global response to the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which began in China and quickly spread to
other countries. The outbreak highlights the need for international
cooperation in addressing emerging health threats.

Since its establishment, the WHO has played a crucial role in shaping global health policies
and strategies. It has been at the forefront of major public health initiatives, such as the
eradication of smallpox, the control of polio, and the response to global health emergencies
like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Functions of the WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a critical role in global health by fulfilling several key
functions:

1. Leadership and Advocacy

2. Health Research and Innovation

3. Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

4. Health Systems Strengthening

5. Health Policy Development and Implementation

By fulfilling these key functions, the WHO plays a vital role in promoting health, preventing
disease, and improving the well-being of people around the world.

Disease Prevention and Control Health Promotion and Education

The WHO works to prevent the spread of The WHO promotes healthy lifestyles and
diseases and reduce their impact on global provides evidence-based health information
health. to the public.

Health Policy Development Research and Innovation

The WHO assists countries in developing The WHO conducts research and fosters
health policies and strategies to address their innovation to advance global health
unique challenges. knowledge and practices.
 Structure of the WHO
Membership and Governance
The WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly, which
meets annually to review and approve the organization's
policies and budget. The Assembly is made up of
representatives from all 194 Member States, each having
equal representation in decision-making processes. The
WHO is led by the Director-General, who is elected by the
Assembly for a five-year term and is responsible for
overseeing the organization's work and implementing its
policies.
Country Offices
The WHO has country offices in over 150 countries, providing
technical assistance and support at the national level. These
offices work closely with national governments and other
partners to develop and implement health programs and
policies, as well as to provide guidance and capacity building
to strengthen health systems. The country offices also play a
critical role in emergency response, providing support during
outbreaks and other health emergencies.
Regional Offices
The WHO has six regional offices that provide leadership and support
to countries within their respective regions. These offices are
responsible for coordinating and implementing the WHO's programs
and policies at the regional level, as well as providing technical
assistance and capacity building to member countries. The regional
offices also collaborate with other UN agencies, non-governmental
organizations, and other stakeholders to address health challenges
in their regions.
Relationship with Turkey
Turkey is a Member State of the WHO and actively participates in its
governance and programs. The WHO has a country office in Turkey,
which provides technical assistance and support to the government
and other partners to address health challenges in the country. The
WHO also collaborates with Turkey on regional health initiatives,
such as the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network and the
Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Current Challenges and Initiatives

Addressing Global Health Inequalities Mental Health and Noncommunicable

Diseases
The WHO works towards reducing disparities in The WHO prioritizes mental health and the
access to healthcare and improving health prevention and control of noncommunicable
outcomes for all. diseases.
Conclusion
The World Health Organization plays a crucial role in promoting global health,
addressing challenges, and improving the well-being of people worldwide.
Through its leadership and collaboration, the WHO strives for a healthier future
for all.
References:
• World Health Organization. (2021). About WHO. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/about
• World Health Organization. (2021). World Health Organization: Overview.
Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/World-Health-Organization
• Belluz, J. (2020). The World Health Organization explained. Retrieved from
https://www.vox.com/2020/4/14/21218095/coronavirus-who-funding-
trump-explained
Thank you for listening

Cansu Zorman