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Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948 as a


specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a pivotal role in
global health. Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe,
and serve the vulnerable, with a vision of achieving better health
outcomes for all people. WHO provides leadership in health issues,
sets norms and standards, monitors and assesses health trends,
and responds to public health emergencies.
Contributions of WHO

1. Disease Prevention and Control


•Eradication of Smallpox: WHO's most notable success was the global
eradication of smallpox in 1980, marking the first and only disease to be
completely eradicated.
•Polio Eradication Initiative: WHO has been a driving force in reducing
polio cases worldwide. Through extensive vaccination campaigns, polio is
now eradicated in most parts of the world, though efforts continue in certain
regions.
•HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria: WHO plays a central role in
combatting these diseases by coordinating efforts, providing funding, and
supporting treatment and prevention programs globally.
2. Public Health and Disease Surveillance
•International Health Regulations (IHR): WHO developed the IHR to
help countries prevent and respond to acute public health risks that
could cross borders. The IHR is crucial in controlling outbreaks, like
COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika.
•Global Health Surveillance: WHO collaborates with nations to
monitor diseases, identify outbreaks, and respond quickly, often
sending teams and resources to affected regions.

3. Emergency Health Response


•Pandemic Response (COVID-19): WHO led the global response to
COVID-19, providing guidance, coordinating resources, and supporting
vaccine distribution through the COVAX initiative.
•Humanitarian Aid in Emergencies: WHO provides life-saving
interventions in crisis-affected areas, supporting health systems and
delivering medical aid in conflicts, natural disasters, and refugee
settings.
4. Promoting Universal Health Coverage
•WHO advocates for universal health coverage (UHC), aiming to ensure that
all people have access to essential health services without financial
hardship. It supports governments in developing policies to expand
healthcare access, focusing on primary healthcare as a foundation.
•WHO assists countries in building resilient health systems by providing
expertise, funding, and technical support.

5. Health Research and Knowledge Dissemination


•WHO conducts research on a wide range of health issues and publishes
guidelines, protocols, and best practices to help improve global health.

•WHO develops frameworks and standards for food safety, medication,


water quality, and other critical health areas, which countries adopt to
protect their populations.
Challenges

Despite its successes, WHO faces challenges, including:

•Funding Limitations: WHO relies on member state contributions and


donations, often leading to financial constraints that impact its ability to
respond to global health needs fully.

•Political Influence: WHO’s decisions are sometimes influenced by


political pressure from member states, which can delay response times
and affect impartiality.

•Coordination Challenges: Balancing the needs of diverse member


states and coordinating efforts with multiple stakeholders often slows
WHO's actions, particularly in emergencies.
Conclusion
The WHO has played a transformative role in public health by
advancing health policies, controlling diseases, and supporting
health system resilience worldwide. Despite challenges, its efforts
in responding to pandemics, improving mental health, and
advocating for universal health coverage underscore its
indispensable role in shaping a healthier future for all. WHO’s
continued leadership, alongside international cooperation, will be
pivotal in addressing upcoming health challenges and achieving
the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health.

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