World Health Organization facts for kids
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The headquarters in Geneva was designed by Jean Tschumi and inaugurated in 1966.
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| Abbreviation | WHO |
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| Pronunciation |
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| Formation | 7 April 1948 |
| Type | United Nations specialized agency |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland 46°13′56″N 06°08′03″E / 46.23222°N 6.13417°E |
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Director-General
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus |
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Deputy Director General
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Michael Ryan |
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Parent organization
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United Nations Economic and Social Council |
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Budget
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$6.83 billion (2024–2025) |
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a special agency of the United Nations. It helps countries work together on global health problems and emergencies. Its main office is in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO also has many offices around the world. Only independent countries can join, and it is the largest international health group.
WHO's main goal is for everyone in the world to be as healthy as possible. It defines health as feeling good physically, mentally, and socially, not just being free from sickness. WHO works to stop diseases from spreading. It also helps improve health education and medical care. The organization sets international rules for health products.
WHO started on April 7, 1948. It took over the work of older health groups. The agency truly began its important work in 1951 with more money and expert help.
WHO's job is to make sure people are healthy and safe, especially those who are vulnerable. It gives expert advice to countries. It also creates global health standards and collects information on health issues. WHO is a place where experts can discuss health science and policies. Its main report, the World Health Report, shares updates on health topics worldwide.
WHO has achieved many important health successes. These include getting rid of smallpox and almost getting rid of polio. It also helped create a vaccine for Ebola. Today, WHO focuses on diseases like HIV/AIDS, Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis. It also works on non-communicable diseases like heart disease and cancer. Promoting healthy eating, good nutrition, and food security are also key. WHO supports universal health care. It helps watch for health risks and leads responses to health emergencies. The organization generally promotes health and well-being for everyone.
The World Health Assembly (WHA) guides WHO. This assembly includes representatives from its 194 member countries. The WHA chooses leaders, sets goals, and approves the budget. WHO gets its money mainly from member countries and private donations.
History of the WHO
How the WHO Started
Arcot Ramaswamy Mudaliar was a key person in starting the World Health Organization. In 1946, he led a group that began the international meeting. This meeting created WHO as a special agency of the United Nations.
Before WHO, countries held meetings called the International Sanitary Conferences. These started in 1851 and lasted for many years. At first, they mostly talked about cholera. It was hard for countries to agree on how to stop diseases. This was because they didn't fully understand how diseases spread.
After many meetings, countries finally signed agreements. For example, in 1892, they agreed on rules for ships passing through the Suez Canal. This helped stop cholera from spreading. Later, they also discussed diseases like bubonic plague and yellow fever. These early efforts led to the creation of other health offices. After World War II, the United Nations brought these groups together to form the WHO.
WHO has been very important in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. It gave advice on how to stay safe. It also supported vaccine research and helped share vaccines around the world.
Setting Up the Organization
In 1945, during a United Nations meeting, some delegates suggested creating a global health group. They wanted it to be part of the new United Nations. After much discussion, a plan was approved to hold a health conference. The word "world" was used to show that this organization would help everyone globally.
The official document for WHO was signed on July 22, 1946. It was signed by all 51 United Nations countries and 10 other nations. This made it the first UN agency that every member joined. WHO officially began its work on April 7, 1948. This day is now known as World Health Day.
The first meeting of the World Health Assembly happened in July 1948. They set a budget for the next year. G. Brock Chisholm became the first leader, called the director-general. WHO's first goals were to control malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases. Good nutrition and clean environments were also top priorities. One of their first tasks was to collect accurate information on how diseases spread. The WHO logo shows the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of healing.
In 1959, WHO made an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This agreement helps both groups work together on topics where they both have an interest. It ensures that WHO can still focus on promoting health in all its forms.
Key Health Actions Over Time
In 1947, WHO started an information service to track diseases using telex. In 1950, a large campaign began to vaccinate people against tuberculosis.
The malaria control program started in 1955. In 1958, the Soviet Union suggested a global effort to get rid of smallpox. This led to a major campaign.
WHO's first report on diabetes mellitus came out in 1965. In 1966, the organization moved its main office to a new building in Geneva.
By 1967, WHO increased its efforts to wipe out smallpox. It spent millions each year and used new ways to track the disease. At that time, 2 million people died from smallpox every year. WHO helped manage the last European outbreak in Yugoslavia in 1972. After more than 20 years, smallpox was declared gone in 1979. It was the first disease in history to be completely removed by human effort.
In 1974, WHO launched a program to increase immunization. It also started a program to control onchocerciasis (river blindness). The next year, it created a special program for research on tropical diseases. This program aimed to find better ways to diagnose and treat these diseases.
In 1976, WHO passed a plan to help prevent disability and improve rehabilitation. In 1977, it created the first list of essential medicines. In 1978, WHO announced the big goal of "Health For All."
In 1986, WHO started its global program on HIV/AIDS. In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative began.
In 1995, WHO set up a group to certify when Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) was gone. In 1998, on its 50th birthday, WHO noted big improvements in child survival and longer life spans. However, it also said more work was needed for maternal health.
In 2000, the Stop TB Partnership was created. This was part of the UN's Millennium Development Goals. In 2001, the measles initiative started. It helped reduce deaths from measles by 68% by 2007. In 2002, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was created to get more money for these fights.
In 2005, WHO updated its International Health Regulations. This allowed WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for major health threats. In 2006, WHO launched a plan for influenza vaccines.
In 2016, the influenza vaccine plan ended. It concluded that the world was still not ready for a major flu pandemic. Also in 2016, the World Health Emergencies program was formed. This changed WHO to be more active in responding to health emergencies.
In 2020, WHO declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency. This new virus was named "COVID-19".
In 2022, WHO suggested creating a Global Health Emergency Council. It also recommended updating the International Health Regulations. In 2024, WHO declared the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in some African countries a public health emergency. In September 2025, the director-general announced that mpox was no longer an emergency.
On January 22, 2026, the United States officially left the WHO. This happened after President Donald Trump gave notice on January 20, 2025. The US government stated it would not rejoin. This withdrawal caused a financial crisis for WHO. It led to budget cuts and plans to reduce staff. The US was WHO's largest funder, giving about 18% of its budget. The Director-General said the US exit would make both the US and the world less safe.
WHO's Goals and Work
Main Focus of WHO
WHO's Constitution says its goal is for "all people to reach the highest possible level of health."
WHO works to achieve this goal by:
- Leading and coordinating global health efforts.
- Working with the United Nations, other agencies, and health groups.
- Helping governments improve their health services when asked.
- Providing expert help and emergency aid to countries.
- Offering health services to special groups, like people in trust territories.
- Setting up services to track diseases and collect health data.
- Encouraging work to get rid of widespread diseases.
- Working with other agencies to prevent accidents.
- Improving nutrition, housing, sanitation, and working conditions.
- Encouraging scientists and health professionals to work together.
- Suggesting international agreements and rules for health.
As of 2012, WHO's role in public health includes:
- Leading on important health issues and working with partners.
- Guiding health research and sharing valuable knowledge.
- Setting health standards and making sure they are followed.
- Offering ethical and evidence-based policy ideas.
- Giving technical support and building lasting health capacity.
- Watching global health situations and trends.
- Improving civil registration and vital statistics to track births and deaths.
WHO encourages people, communities, and groups to be involved in making health decisions. This helps make health policies better for everyone.
Fighting Communicable Diseases
WHO works to control malaria. Its Global Malaria Programme tracks cases and helps prevent future problems. WHO also supports using insecticide-treated mosquito nets and sprays. These help stop malaria from spreading.
In 1988, WHO started the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. This program aims to get rid of polio. Since then, polio cases have dropped by 99%. WHO works to vaccinate young children and stop polio from returning in areas declared free of the disease. Polio is now almost gone, thanks to global vaccination efforts.
Between 1990 and 2010, WHO helped reduce deaths from tuberculosis by 40%. Since 2005, millions of people have been treated. WHO promotes early diagnosis, standard treatment, and monitoring of the disease. It also helps ensure a steady supply of medicines.
In 2007, WHO organized work on developing influenza vaccines. In April 2009, a pandemic of the H1N1 influenza virus was declared. WHO coordinated a global response, leading to new vaccines being approved quickly.
As of 2015, WHO works with the UNAIDS network to fight HIV/AIDS. It aims to reduce new infections and deaths. WHO also works to make sure health systems are strong, even after natural disasters.
Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases
One of WHO's main goals is to prevent and reduce sickness and early deaths from long-term diseases. These include heart disease, cancer, and mental disorders. It also works on preventing injuries and vision problems. These conditions cause almost 71% of all deaths worldwide.
Protecting Environmental Health
WHO estimates that 12.6 million people died in 2012 because they lived or worked in unhealthy environments. This is almost 1 in 4 global deaths. Things like air, water, and soil pollution can cause many diseases. Climate change and ultraviolet radiation also contribute to health problems.
In 2018, WHO held its first global conference on air pollution and health. It focused on improving air quality and fighting climate change to save lives.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
WHO works to improve health during all stages of life. This includes pregnancy, childhood, and teenage years. It also promotes healthy aging for everyone.
WHO also tries to prevent or reduce health risks. These include using tobacco and alcohol, unhealthy diets, and not being physically active.
WHO works to improve nutrition, food safety, and food security. This helps public health and sustainable development.
In April 2019, WHO suggested that children aged two to five should spend no more than one hour a day looking at screens. Children under two should have no screen time.
In January 2025, WHO released new advice on using lower-sodium salt substitutes. It strongly recommends reducing salt intake. It also suggests replacing regular salt with lower-sodium options for most adults.
Improving Surgery and Trauma Care
The World Health Organization promotes road safety. This helps reduce injuries from traffic accidents. It also works on global efforts in surgery. These include emergency care, trauma care, and making surgery safer. The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is used worldwide to improve patient safety.
Responding to Emergencies
WHO's main goal in natural and man-made emergencies is to work with countries and partners. It aims to reduce preventable deaths and sickness.
On May 5, 2014, WHO announced that the spread of polio was a world health emergency. Outbreaks in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East were very serious.
On August 8, 2014, WHO declared the spread of Ebola a public health emergency. This outbreak in West Africa was considered very serious.
Learning from Emergencies
After the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, WHO was criticized. It learned from this experience to improve its emergency response.
An internal WHO report showed that health systems in developing countries needed more funding and support. In 2015, WHO announced a $100 million fund for quick responses to future emergencies. The organization also created the Health Emergencies Programme. This program helps WHO take direct action during health crises.
Shaping Health Policy
WHO helps governments create health policy. It aims to address social and economic factors that affect health. It also promotes healthier environments and prevents diseases.
The organization creates and promotes evidence-based tools and standards. These help countries make informed health policy choices. WHO oversees the International Health Regulations. It also publishes medical classifications like the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD). Other important frameworks include the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. An international agreement on pandemic prevention is also being discussed.
WHO works to improve health services. This includes better management, funding, and staffing. It also aims to improve access to quality medical products and technologies.
Digital Health Initiatives
WHO works with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on digital health topics. This includes initiatives like "Be Health, Be Mobile" and a focus group on Artificial Intelligence for Health.
WHO Policy Packages
WHO has created several policy packages to help countries improve health:
- ACTIVE (for physical activity)
- HEARTS (for heart diseases)
- MPOWER (for tobacco control)
- REPLACE (for trans fat reduction)
- SAFER (for alcohol control)
- SHAKE (for salt reduction)
How WHO is Governed and Supported
WHO also focuses on its own role. It aims to provide leadership and strengthen partnerships with countries and other groups. This helps WHO achieve its global health goals. It also works to be a flexible and learning organization. This allows it to carry out its mission more effectively.
Working with Partners
WHO works with the World Bank to manage the International Health Partnership (IHP+). This group helps improve health in developing countries.
The organization gets help from many scientists and experts. These include groups like the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization.
WHO also runs the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research. This group aims to improve health policies and systems. It also works to make health research available in developing countries through networks like HINARI.
WHO partners with The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and UNAIDS. These partnerships help develop and fund HIV programs.
In 2014, WHO published the Global Atlas of Palliative Care at the End of Life. This was done with the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance. It promotes palliative care in health policies.
Health Education and Action
Health education means helping people take more control over their health. WHO describes it as moving beyond just personal choices. It includes looking at wider community and environmental solutions.
Each year, WHO celebrates World Health Day on April 7. This day focuses on a special health topic. Recent themes have included diseases carried by insects (2014) and healthy aging (2012).
Other global health campaigns by WHO include World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Hepatitis Day, and World AIDS Day.
As part of the United Nations, WHO supports the Millennium Development Goals. Three of these goals are directly related to WHO's work. These are reducing child deaths, reducing maternal deaths, and stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. The other goals also affect global health.
Handling Data and Publications
WHO collects health information through various surveys. These include the World Health Survey and the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health. The Country Health Intelligence Portal (CHIP) provides access to health services information for different countries. This data helps countries plan and evaluate their health strategies.
The Global Health Observatory (GHO) is WHO's main portal. It provides data and analysis on key health topics worldwide.
WHO has published tools to measure national health systems and workforces. It also works with other agencies to provide high-quality information for government decisions.
On December 10, 2013, WHO launched a new database called MiNDbank. This database provides information on mental health, disability, and human rights. It also includes policies and laws from different countries. Users can find best practices and success stories in mental health.
WHO regularly publishes the World Health Report. This is its main publication and covers a specific global health topic. Other WHO publications include the Bulletin of the World Health Organization.
In 2016, WHO drafted a global health strategy for HIV. It outlined a commitment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This includes goals for universal health coverage and medical access. It also focuses on disease prevention and public education.
WHO has been working to include traditional medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In 2022, the new International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, ICD-11, allowed for the integration of traditional medicine classifications. WHO states this inclusion is not an endorsement of scientific validity.
International Agency for Research on Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a part of WHO. It studies the causes of cancer. It also collects and publishes data on cancer around the world.
Its Monograph Programme identifies things that can cause cancer. It also looks at environmental causes of cancer in humans.
How WHO is Organized
The World Health Organization is part of the United Nations Development Group.
Member Countries
As of January 2026, WHO has 193 member countries. These include almost all UN member states, plus the Cook Islands and Niue. The United States withdrew from WHO on January 22, 2026. Argentina also announced its withdrawal on February 5, 2025. A country becomes a full member by agreeing to the WHO Constitution.
WHO also has two associate members: Puerto Rico and Tokelau. Some other countries and groups have "observer status." This means they can attend meetings but not vote. Palestine and the Holy See are observers.
WHO member countries send representatives to the World Health Assembly. This is WHO's highest decision-making body. The Assembly meets yearly and sets the organization's policies.
The executive board has 34 health experts. They carry out the Assembly's decisions and give advice. Other groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross also attend as observers.
Taiwan's Participation
Taiwan has faced challenges in participating in WHO meetings. The Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) was a founding member of WHO. However, its representation was later given to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
From 2009 to 2016, Taiwan was invited to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer. It participated under the name "Chinese Taipei". This was due to better relations at the time. However, its participation ended after 2016 due to political pressure.
Many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan, have supported Taiwan's involvement in WHO. This support grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan's effective response to the virus was praised by experts. However, political issues have continued to limit Taiwan's full participation.
United States' Participation
On April 14, 2020, then-President Donald Trump said the United States would stop funding WHO. He cited concerns about WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement was criticized by many world leaders. On July 7, 2020, Trump formally told the UN of his plan to withdraw. However, President Joe Biden canceled this plan after taking office in January 2021. He announced the US would resume funding.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an order to withdraw the US from WHO again. This withdrawal became official on January 22, 2026. This was the first time a member country had left WHO. On January 23, 2026, the US state of California joined WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.
World Health Assembly and Executive Board
The World Health Assembly (WHA) is WHO's main governing body. It meets yearly in May in Geneva. It chooses the director-general every five years. It also votes on WHO's policies and budget.
The Assembly elects 34 health experts to the executive board. They serve for three-year terms. The board's job is to carry out the Assembly's decisions and give advice. As of June 2023, Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari of Qatar is the chair of the executive board.
Director-General
The leader of WHO is the director-general. This person is chosen by the World Health Assembly. The term lasts for five years. The current director-general is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He was appointed on July 1, 2017.
Global Institutions
Besides its offices, WHO has other groups for research.
WHO Staff
WHO employs 7,000 people in 149 countries and regions. They work to carry out WHO's goals.
Goodwill Ambassadors
WHO has "Goodwill Ambassadors." These are famous people from arts, sports, or public life. They help draw attention to WHO's projects. Currently, there are five Goodwill Ambassadors.
On October 21, 2017, the director-general appointed then-Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador. This was to help fight non-communicable diseases. However, this appointment caused a lot of criticism. Many people and groups were concerned. Because of the strong reaction, the appointment was canceled the next day.
Medical Society of the World Health Organization
Since its beginning, WHO has had the Medical Society of the World Health Organization. This society holds talks by famous researchers and publishes their findings. Dr. S. William A. Gunn was its founder and president.
Funding and Partnerships
WHO gets its money from member countries and other donors. In 2020–21, the biggest contributors included Germany, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
WHO's Executive Board is working to improve its funding strategy. It aims to increase the required payments from member countries.
2|| style="text-align:left;"|United States of America|| 232|| 448|||| 681|| 9.7%||
| No. | Contributor | Assessed contributions | Voluntary contributions specified | Core voluntary contributions | Total (biennium) |
Share | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 58 | 953 | 1,011 | 14.4% | ||
| 3 | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 592 | 592 | 8.4% | |||
| 4 | France | 44 | 368 | 122 | 534 | 7.6% | |
| 5 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 44 | 367 | 120 | 531 | 7.6% | |
| 6 | GAVI Alliance | 371 | 371 | 5.3% | |||
| 7 | European Commission | 310 | 310 | 4.4% | |||
| 8 | Japan | 82 | 122 | 204 | 2.9% | ||
| 9 | China | 115 | 63 | 178 | 2.5% | ||
| 10 | World Bank | 158 | 158 | 2.2% | |||
| Others | 530 | 2,306 | 144 | 2,980 | 42.4% | ||
| Total | 957 | 5,824 | 264 | 7,031 | 100.0% | ||
- Assessed contributions are the regular payments member countries make. The amount depends on their wealth and population.
- Voluntary contributions specified are funds given by members or partners for specific programs.
- Core voluntary contributions are flexible funds given by members or partners.
Past Funding
In the early 2000s, WHO worked more with outside groups. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) partnered with WHO. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was one of these partners.
Before its withdrawal, the United States was the biggest contributor. It gave over $400 million each year. In April 2020, President Donald Trump announced a halt to US funding. This was due to concerns about WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, the Trump administration agreed to pay up to what China paid. This was much less than its previous funding.
WHO Public Health Awards
WHO gives out prizes and awards to recognize big achievements in public health. Winners are chosen by the WHO Executive Board and announced at the World Health Assembly.
WHO Headquarters and Offices
The main office of WHO is in Geneva, Switzerland. It was designed by Swiss architect Jean Tschumi and opened in 1966.
Gallery of the WHO Headquarters Building
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Stairwell, 1969
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Internal courtyard, 1969
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Reflecting pool, 1969
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Exterior, 1969
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From southwest, 2013
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Entrance hall, 2013
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Main conference room, 2013
Offices Around the World
WHO has 150 country offices in six different regions. It also has offices that work with groups like the European Union and the United Nations. The International Agency for Research on Cancer is in Lyon, France. The WHO Centre for Health Development is in Kobe, Japan.
Each country office is led by a WHO Representative. This person advises the country's government on health and medicine. The country office includes health experts and support staff.
Regional Offices
WHO has six regional offices. These were created between 1949 and 1952. Many decisions are made at the regional level, including budget discussions.
Each region has a regional committee that meets once a year. Representatives from each member country in the region attend. Each region also has a regional office led by a director. The regional director is chosen by the Regional Committee.
The regional committee sets guidelines for health policies in its region. It also reviews WHO's actions in that area. The regional director manages the health experts and staff in the regional offices. They also supervise the WHO Representatives in each country within their region.
| Region | Headquarters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo | This office covers most of Africa. The regional director is Matshidiso Moeti (since 2015). |
| Europe | Copenhagen, Denmark | This office covers all of Europe, Israel, and countries of the former USSR. The regional director is Hans Kluge (since 2020). |
| South-East Asia | New Delhi, India | North Korea is served by this office. The acting regional director is Catharina Boehme (since 2025). |
| Eastern Mediterranean | Cairo, Egypt | This office serves some African countries and most Middle Eastern countries. Pakistan is also covered. The regional director is Ahmed Al-Mandhari (since 2018). |
| Western Pacific | Manila, the Philippines | This office covers Asian countries not served by other regions and all countries in Oceania. South Korea is covered. The acting regional director is Zsuzsanna Jakab (since 2023). |
| The Americas | Washington, D.C., United States | Also known as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). It covers North and South America. The regional director is Jarbas Barbosa (since 2023). |
Private Funding
In 2024, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was WHO's largest private funder. It provided 10% of its budget.
See also
In Spanish: Organización Mundial de la Salud para niños
- Alliance for Healthy Cities, an international alliance
- Global mental health
- Health Sciences Online, virtual learning resources
- Health promotion
- Healthy city
- High 5s Project, a patient safety collaboration
- International Labour Organization
- List of most polluted cities in the world by particulate matter concentration
- Open Learning for Development, virtual learning resources
- Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction- HRP
- The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
- Timeline of global health
- WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
- WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality
- WHO SMART guidelines
- Wellbeing economy
- World Hearing Day
