World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO began when its Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date celebrated every year as World Health Day. It has more than 7000 people working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices and at its headquarters in Geneva.

WHO’s primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations’ system.

Main areas of work:

  • Health systems
  • Promoting health through the life-course
  • Noncommunicable diseases
  • Communicable diseases
  • Corporate services
  • Preparedness, surveillance and response.

WHO support countries as it coordinates the efforts of multiple sectors of the government and partners – including bi- and multilaterals, funds and foundations, civil society organizations and private sector – to attain its health objectives and support national health policies and strategies.

World Hepatitis Day 2020

News
World Hepatitis Day is commemorated each year on 28 July to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer. There are five main strains of the hepatitis...

WHO Management of Alcohol Withdrawal

Scientific article
Alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable and occasionally life threatening. Pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal is an essential component of alcohol dependence. Benzodiazepines (BZDs), non­sedating anticonvulsants and...

A Guide for Tobacco Users to Quit

Book
This self-help material was developed based on WHO Capacity Building Training Package 4 entitled “Strengthening health systems for treating tobacco dependence in primary care”. Its target audience are tobacco users. It aims to give advice...

WHO Statement: Tobacco Use and COVID-19

News
Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory difficulties. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to...

Alcohol and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster
COVID-19 is a global health crisis that is increasing the workload of healthcare professionals around the world. In order to support practitioners during these critical circumstances, it is essential that everyone is informed about other...

How Can Telehealth Help in the Provision of Integrated Care?

Book
The World Health Organisation defines telehealth as: The use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional health-care facilities. Well-designed telehealth schemes can improve health care access...