World Health Organization

World Health Organization (WHO)

An international organization concerned with world health and welfare.

Mentioned in: Cancer Therapy, Palliative

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World Health Organization (WHO),

an intergovernmental organization within the United Nations system whose purpose is to aid in the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all people. Programs include education for current health issues, proper food supply and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, maternal and child health, immunization against major infectious diseases, and prevention and control of diseases. WHO is coordinating global strategies to control and prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Its functions include furnishing technical assistance, stimulating and advancing epidemiologic investigation of diseases, recommending health regulations, promoting cooperation among scientific and professional health groups, and providing information and counsel relating to health matters. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

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World Health Organization (WHO),

n entity under the authority of the United Nations with a mission to promote the best possible health care for all the world's citizens. Sponsors educational programs that inform people about sanitation, safe water, food supply, and nutrition issues. Also actively involved in the ongoing effort to stop the spread of AIDS worldwide. See also AIDS.

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World Health Organization (WHO),

n.pr an agency of the United Nations concerned with worldwide and regional health problems. Its functions include furnishing technical assistance, stimulating and advancing epidemiologic investigation of diseases, recommending health regulations, promoting cooperation among scientific and professional health groups, and providing information and counsel relating to health matters.

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World Health Organization

the specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with human health on an international level; abbreviated WHO. The agency was founded in 1948 and in its constitution are listed the following objectives.

'Health is a state of complete physical and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest cooperation of individuals and States. The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all'.

The major specific aims of the WHO are as follows:

(1) To strengthen the health services of member nations, improving the teaching standards in medicine and allied professions, and advising and helping generally in the field of health.

(2) To promote better standards for nutrition, housing, recreation, sanitation, economic and working conditions.

(3) To improve maternal and child health and welfare.

(4) To advance progress in the field of mental health.

(5) To encourage and conduct research on problems of public health.

In carrying out these aims and objectives the WHO functions as a directing and coordinating authority on international health. It serves as a center for all types of global and health information, promotes uniform quarantine standards and international sanitary regulations, provides advisory services through public health experts in control of disease and sets up international standards for the manufacture of all important drugs. Through its teams of physicians, nurses and other health personnel it provides modern medical skills and knowledge to communities throughout the world.