What is WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1948. She is responsible for coordinating and leading international efforts to address global health challenges and advance public health. The main goal of WHO is to enable all people to achieve the highest possible level of health, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.
It plays an important role in disease surveillance, outbreak response, health research, and the development of health policy and guidelines. Through its extensive network of Member States and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, WHO strives to combat disease, strengthen health systems and provide essential health services, thereby having a significant impact on the well-being of the world’s population. I am giving
History of WHO
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Origins | International sanitary conferences in the mid-19th century to address infectious diseases. |
| Creation | Proposed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization; established in 1948. |
| Early Focus | Combatting infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and smallpox through campaigns. |
| Eradication of Smallpox | Smallpox eradicated in 1980, the first human disease eradicated through deliberate efforts. |
| Expansion of Health Programs | Broadened scope to address non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and more. |
| Alma-Ata Declaration | 1978 conference emphasizing “Health for All” by 2000 through primary healthcare importance. |
| Response to Global Health Crises | Crucial role in addressing HIV/AIDS, H1N1 influenza, Ebola outbreak, and other health crises. |
| Sustainable Development Goals | Actively supporting countries to achieve health-related targets and promote universal coverage. |
| COVID-19 Pandemic | Coordinating international efforts to respond to and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. |
How to Join WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international organization dedicated to promoting global health and coordinating international health action. If you are interested in participating in WHO, the general steps are:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualifications and Experience | WHO typically hires individuals with a strong background in public health, medicine, epidemiology, healthcare management, and related fields. Candidates need relevant qualifications, degrees, and professional experience. |
| Check Job Openings | Regular job vacancies are posted on the WHO official website and other relevant job portals. Candidates should visit the WHO employment website or other job boards where international organizations post openings and search for suitable positions. |
| Application | Follow application instructions carefully, submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and include a cover letter highlighting qualifications, relevant experience, and interest in working with WHO. |
| Networking | Attend conferences, workshops, and events related to public health and global health issues to network with professionals in the field. Express your interest in working with WHO during networking opportunities. |
| Languages | WHO is a multilingual organization. Proficiency in languages like English, French, Spanish, and other official UN languages can be an advantage, depending on the specific role being applied for. |
| Interview and Assessment | Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, which can be conducted in person or via video conferencing. Be prepared to discuss qualifications, experiences, and interest in global health issues. |
| Security and Background Check | Selected candidates may undergo a security and background check as part of the recruitment process. |
| Offer and Contract | Successful candidates will receive a job offer. They should review the terms and conditions of the contract carefully before accepting the position. |
Responsibilities as a WHO Member
As members of the World Health Organization (WHO), each country has certain obligations. WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for global public health. Its main goals are to promote and protect global health, fight disease and provide access to healthcare for all.
- Help and Support: Member States are expected to cooperate and support the mission and activities of WHO. This includes actively participating in WHO efforts, providing financial and technical support, and working together to address global health challenges.
- Reporting and data sharing: Countries should report health-related data to WHO on a regular basis. This data helps us monitor global health trends, identify emerging health threats, and formulate evidence-based policies.
- Disease Surveillance and Response: Member States should establish effective disease surveillance systems to rapidly detect, report and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. We also need to work with WHO and other Member States to control and prevent the spread of the disease across borders.
- Strengthening the health system: Countries should work to strengthen their health systems to ensure availability and access to essential health services for their citizens. This includes improving healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity and healthcare funding mechanisms.
- Implementation of WHO recommendations: Member States are expected to implement WHO recommendations and guidelines in their national health policies and practices. This ensures that global best practices are adopted at the national level. Immunizations and vaccinations:
Member States should strive to achieve and maintain high vaccination coverage in order to protect their populations from vaccine-preventable diseases. WHO provides guidance on vaccination strategies and vaccine distribution. - Emergency preparedness and response: Countries need to be prepared to respond to health emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises. WHO supports national preparedness efforts and coordinates the international response to emergencies.
- Health promotion and education: Member States should promote public health education and awareness to provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make healthier choices and prevent disease.
- Addressing health disparities: Countries should work to reduce health inequalities within their borders and globally. This includes ensuring equitable access to health care, taking into account the social determinants of health and closing health inequalities.
- Politics and advocacy: By participating in WHO’s decision-making processes and advocating on health issues at the international level, Member States can actively participate in setting global health priorities and policies.
Role of WHO in World Wellbeing
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays an important role in promoting and protecting global health and well-being. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, its primary purpose is to coordinate international health activities, provide technical expertise, and set norms and standards on health-related issues. Some of WHO’s key roles in global well-being are listed below.
- Disease prevention and control: WHO is committed to preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola and novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It conducts research, provides guidance on prevention strategies, and helps countries build disease surveillance and response capacities.
- Strengthening health systems: WHO helps strengthen national health systems to enable equal access to quality health services, essential medicines and vaccines. This will help train health workers, improve infrastructure, and improve health care financing and management.
- Health Promotion: WHO promotes healthy lifestyles and behaviors by raising awareness of the importance of proper nutrition, physical activity and the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and other substances. We also advocate mental health and well-being as an integral part of overall health.
- Emergency measures: In the event of health emergencies such as epidemics, natural disasters and humanitarian crises, WHO plays a central role in coordinating international response efforts. Mobilize resources, deploy experts, and provide technical assistance to help countries respond effectively.
- Research and Innovation: WHO conducts research on a range of health issues, issues evidence-based guidelines, and promotes innovation in health. We collaborate with research institutions and experts around the world to improve health outcomes and address emerging health challenges. Policy formulation:
WHO provides evidence-based policy recommendations to Member States on a range of health issues. This will facilitate the development and implementation of health policies in line with global health priorities. - International Health Regulations: WHO oversees the International Health Regulations (IHR), which aim to prevent the international spread of disease while avoiding unnecessary interference with international travel and trade. We monitor disease outbreaks and help countries comply with these regulations.
- Health equity and social determinants of health: WHO promotes health equity and addresses the social determinants of health to reduce health inequalities across populations and countries. It emphasizes the importance of addressing factors such as poverty, education and access to health care to improve well-being.
- Partnerships and Cooperation: WHO works with other international organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to achieve common health goals and maximize the impact of global health efforts.
WHO in COVID19
WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for coordinating international public health efforts. When the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak broke out in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, WHO responded quickly to assess the situation and provide guidance to countries around the world.
WHO’s key roles and actions in the fight against COVID-19 include:
- Monitoring and data exchange: WHO worked closely with Member States to monitor the spread of the virus and shared information on cases, transmission patterns and best practices.
- Risk assessment and communication: The organization regularly released risk assessments and communicated important updates and guidelines to the public, governments and health professionals.
- Technical guidance: WHO has developed and disseminated technical guidance for health professionals on subjects such as testing, infection prevention and control, clinical management and vaccine development.
- Coordinating international efforts: WHO has facilitated international cooperation and collaboration among countries, scientists and organizations working to research, treat and develop a vaccine for COVID-19.
- Support for vulnerable health systems: The organization is focused on helping countries with vulnerable health systems by providing resources, training and expertise to effectively respond to the pandemic.
- Promoting equity in vaccine distribution: WHO advocated for equitable access to vaccines and launched initiatives such as COVAX to make vaccines accessible to low-income countries.
- Research and Development: WHO has supported and promoted research into treatments, vaccines and diagnostics for COVID-19, and coordinated efforts to identify new variants of the virus.
Rules and Regulations of WHO
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Constitution | The WHO’s foundational document adopted in 1948, outlining the organization’s objectives, functions, and structure. |
| Governing Bodies | World Health Assembly (WHA), Executive Board, and Director-General, responsible for decision-making and governance. |
| Member States | Open to all countries or areas that accept the WHO’s constitution and work towards its objectives. |
| Collaboration | Collaborates with international partners, NGOs, and stakeholders to address global health issues. |
| Technical Guidelines | Develops and publishes evidence-based guidelines on disease prevention, treatment, and health system strengthening. |
| Emergency Response | Coordinates responses to health emergencies and provides support and guidance during crises. |
| Health Regulations | Establishes International Health Regulations (IHR) to prevent international disease spread and reporting requirements. |
| Financing and Budgeting | Operates on a budget funded by contributions from Member States and voluntary contributions from other sources. |
| Ethics and Transparency | Upholds principles of ethics, integrity, and transparency in promoting public health and addressing global challenges. |
| Non-Discrimination | Promotes non-discrimination in health matters and strives to ensure healthcare access for all, regardless of background. |
NABH vs. WHO
| Feature | NABH | WHO |
|---|---|---|
| Name | National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers | World Health Organization |
| Organization type | Constituent board of the Quality Council of India | Intergovernmental organization |
| Established | 2005 | 1948 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Accreditation scope | Hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, and other healthcare organizations in India | Healthcare organizations around the world |
| Accreditation standards | Based on international best practices | Developed by WHO in collaboration with experts from around the world |
| Accreditation process | Voluntary | Voluntary |
| Benefits of accreditation | Increased patient safety, quality of care, and efficiency | Improved patient safety, quality of care, and access to healthcare |
FAQ's about NABH
A: WHO operates through a decentralized structure with six regional offices (Africa, Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific) working in tandem with Headquarters. The decision-making body of this organization is the World Health Assembly, which meets annually and is composed of representatives of member states.
A: As of my last update in September 2021, WHO had 194 Member States. However, this number may have changed, so it’s a good idea to check the current number.
A: WHO is funded through a combination of taxable contributions from Member States and voluntary contributions from a variety of sources, including governments, foundations and other organizations.
A: WHO plays a key role in global vaccine distribution efforts, but usually works in partnership with other organizations and initiatives. WHO ensures vaccine safety and efficacy, develops immunization guidelines, and supports national immunization programmes. However, actual vaccine distribution often requires partnerships with other organizations such as Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and COVAX (Coronavirus Vaccine).
