What is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in global health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for coordinating international public health efforts. Established in 1948, the WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has 194 member states.

The organization's primary role is to provide leadership on global health matters, shape the health research agenda, set norms and standards, articulate evidence-based policy options, provide technical support to countries, and monitor and assess health trends.

The WHO works to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Its work includes activities such as providing guidance and technical support to countries for disease outbreaks and health emergencies, collaborating with governments and partners to provide vaccination campaigns, and advocating for policies and programs that promote health equity and address the social determinants of health.

Through its work, the WHO has made significant contributions to global health, including the eradication of smallpox, the control of polio, and the reduction of child mortality rates. In recent years, the organization has been at the forefront of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing technical guidance and support to countries, coordinating the global response effort, and supporting the development and distribution of vaccines.