WHO is a specialised non political health agency of the united nations and it is the directing and coordinating authority

for health within the united nations system.

It represents the single worldwide intergovernmental health agency

 Origin-7th april 1948. Headquaters-Geneva,Switzerland. Director General-Margaret Chan(since 9th Nov 2006)

OBJECTIVE
In the preamble-The attainment by all peoples of the highest level of health. The preamble of the constitution states Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Enjoyment of highest attainable standard of health.

 Attainment of peace and security. Unequal development in promotion of health and control of disease is a common danger. Healthy development of the child, ability to live harmoniously. Benefit s of medical, psychological and related knowledge to fullest atainment of knolwedge.

Two major developments has influenced the WHO. Alma-Ater conference 1978

Global Strategy for Health for All by 2000

MEMBERSHIP
Open to all countries. Currently 193 members in all. Executive board 34 members.

WORK OF WHO
1. Prevention and control of specific diseases
Eradication of small pox- outstanding example. Now the battle is against AIDS. It also includes activities in the field of vector biology and control. Immunisation against common diseases of childhood (Expanded Program of Imunisation)

2. Development of comprehensive health services.

Promotion and support to national health policy development and development of comprehensive national health programs. It includes Organising health systems based on primary health care. Appropriate Technology for Health (ATH) Efforts to build up primary health care.

3. Family Health
Subdivided into: Maternal and child health care Human reproduction Nutrition Health Education The goal is to improve the quality of life of the family as a unit.

4. Environmental health
WHO advises govts. on national programs for provision of basic sanitary services. Programs include : WHO environmental health criteria program WHO environmental health monitoring program.

5. Health Statistics.
Concerned with variety of morbidity and mortality statistics. Data published in weekly epidemiological records and world health statistics.

6. Biomedical Research
No research on its own. World wide network of WHO collaborating centers. There are Regional Advisory Committees and a global advisory committee. Target of WHOs Special Program for research and Training in Tropical Diseases, include malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, filariasis, leishmaniasis and leprosy.

7. Health literature and information.

Clearing house for information on health problems. MEDLARS

8. Co-operation with other organisations

Collaboration with UN and other specialised agencies.

STRUCTURE
3 principle organs THE WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY Health Parliament of Nations Head quarters in Geneva Composed of delegates representing member states.

 Functions 1. Determine Int. health policy and programs. 2. Review the work of past year. 3. Approval of budget for following year. 4. Elect member states

 EXECUTIVE BOARD 34 member states They are technically qualified in the field of health. SECRETARIAT Headed by director general It has several divisions like division of communicable d/s, vector control, mental health, family health, environmental health, etc

REGIONS
6 Regional organisations
Regions
1. South east Asia 2. Africa 3. The Americas 4.Europe

Headquarters
New-Delhi Harare Washington D.C. Copenhagen

5.Eatern Mediterranean
6.Western Pacific

Alexandrea
Manila

SEARO comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Korea, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Srilanka, Thailand.