The World Health Organization Providing Leadership on Global Health Matters Jessica Little

The WHO Constitution “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.”

The WHO Constitution “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”

The WHO Constitution “The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest cooperation of individuals and States.”

The World Health Assembly and WHO Director Margaret Chan

What is the WHO? The WHO is a branch of the UN that addresses Global Health within an international political arena.

Where in the world is the WHO? 193 Countries are Members of the WHO Essentially every country in the world!

The WHO has adopted a six point agenda Promoting Development

The WHO has adopted a six point agenda Promoting Development Fostering Health Security

The WHO has adopted a six point agenda Promoting Development Fostering Health Security Strengthening Health Systems

The WHO has adopted a six point agenda Promoting Development Fostering Health Security Strengthening Health Systems Harnessing Research, Information, and Evidence

The WHO has adopted a six point agenda Promoting Development Fostering Health Security Strengthening Health Systems Harnessing Research, Information, and Evidence Enhancing Partnerships

The WHO has adopted a six point agenda Promoting Development Fostering Health Security Strengthening Health Systems Harnessing Research, Information, and Evidence Enhancing Partnerships Improving Performance

Promoting Development "The biggest enemy of health in the developing world is poverty.” - Kofi Annan Thus the World Health Organization has dedicated its efforts to improving health standards based on a strict ethical principle of equity.

Paul Farmer voices similar ideas on Development

Global Concentration of Infectious Disease

Global Concentration of Health Care Workers

Fostering Health Security The World Health Organization’s commitment to fostering Health Security primarily confronts the outbreak of “emerging or epidemic-prone diseases”. AIDS TB Malaria

The obstacles which the WHO faces are vast.

Natural Disaster

Industrialization

Pollution

Drug Resistant Diseases

Globalization

Strengthening Health Systems The WHO uses health care as a poverty-reducing system and subsequently, the systems must facilitate care to both poor and underserved populations. USAID’s says that a health system must be Effective, Efficient and Equitable.

Harnessing Research, Information and Evidence The WHO has set up a collaborative effort which includes experts at the top of every medical field to lead the globe in establishing research and information on an international level This is why almost every presentation has included information from the WHO’s vast database!

Enhancing Partnerships Because the WHO is such an enormous organization it must create partnerships with other UN and international organizations as well as the governments of the countries it works. This involves a lot of politics.

Improving Performance By continually working to improve its standards and fight disease in the evolving global environment, The WHO has become the leading resource for international health policy.

A Brief History of the WHO The World Health Organization was born as a branch of the United Nations WHO’s Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date we now celebrate every year as World Health Day.

Notable Achievements 1950 – The WHO begins to facilitate mass TB vaccinations – International Agency for Research on Cancer established

Notable Achievements 1977 – The First Essential Drugs list is published 1979 – Global Health Commission asserts eradication of small pox

Notable Achievements 1986 – Global program on AIDS created 2000 – Stop TB Partnership launched

Notable Achievements 2003 – 3x5 AIDS initiative launched 2007 – WHO releases International Health Regulations

What the WHO does today WHO starts early recovery efforts in Myanmar following a deadly cyclone. 2.4 Million people were affected by the cyclone and in need of emergency aid.

Donate AID 650 Tons of Medical Aid

Create Infrastructure Shelter, Sanitation, Health Care, Food, Water

Provide Staff Communication of needs Primary Care

Reach Vulnerable Populations Rural Poor Women Disabled Prisoners Indigenous Elderly Children

Restore and Rebuild

"The forces of globalization have drawn the world together as never before. We have the tools, the commitment, and the determination to create a healthy legacy for the whole world. Let this be our goal as we work together – with enthusiasm and optimism.” - Margaret Chan, Director of WHO