What is WHO

Health, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Constitution, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well–being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Over the course of its 58 years of operation, the World Health Organisation has made itself known in every corner of the world. Over 190 countries have joined its ranks by placing their signatures under its Constitution, which states: “attaining the highest possible level of health is a basic right of every human being, regardless of race, religion, political convictions, economic and social status.”

WHO represents the culmination of efforts at international health co–operation that began almost 150 years ago. Nations joined forces to combat common threats such as the plague, yellow fever, cholera, smallpox and typhus.

Some of these diseases are still with us today; others have been eradicated or are in the process of being eliminated. We have witnessed the discovery of penicillin, insulin and antibiotics; advances in vaccine development and immunisation of 80% of the world's children, the introduction of environmental sanitation measures and the eradication of smallpox. Many achievements would have been impossible without a dedicated international effort.

Yet, today we live in a world which seems to lack the commitment and resources to create a healthier future, and whose unremitting destruction of the environment will continue unless human behaviour is altered.

International population movements of refugees and migrants, overpopulation, uncontrolled urbanisation, economic development, pollution, changes in land use patterns, deforestation, desertification, the depletion of the ozone layer, and poverty, all have an impact on health.

Rapidly increasing air travel facilitates the spread of disease from one continent to another. The expanding food trade carries with it the threat of food borne diseases. Furthermore, changes in lifestyle and behaviour fuel the emergence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, while millions continue to die from tobacco–related illnesses.

Many of the most powerful antibiotics have been rendered impotent, in part because of careless treatment practices. At the same time, too few new drugs are being developed. Health technology advances in the industrialised world do not always translate into an improved quality of life and are often beyond reach for developing countries.

Not all people have benefited equally from global improvements in health status, health coverage and access to health services. The socio–economic health gap between nations and within them is widening daily.

Clearly, the world's health challenges cannot be met by one organisation alone. WHO's vision of global health, based on equity and solidarity, calls for building new partnerships of international agencies, donors, ministries, non–governmental organisations, academic institutions, private initiatives across sectors such as travel and communications, communities, and citizens.

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