The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO’s member states are represented by the organization’s governing body, the World Health Assembly.
The WHO’s primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations’ system and to lead partners in global health responses. The WHO strives to promote health, keep the world safe, serve the vulnerable and make sure everyone has access to essential health care. To achieve these goals, the WHO works with governments, civil society organizations, academia, research institutions and more.
The WHO’s work is divided into six main areas: disease control; immunizations and vaccines; HIV/AIDS; tuberculosis; malariа control; nutrition and food security. The WHO also works on noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes; environmental issues such as climate change and air pollution; digital technology for health; and more. In addition to its headquarters in Geneva, the WHO has offices in 150 countries around the world.