Medical Journal logo
International Multispeciality
Journal of Health
ISSN No. 2395-6291 | Impact Factor 6.82
Medical Journal facebook page Medical Journal twitter account Medical Journal linkedin account Medical Journal google scholar profile Medical Journal Thread profile Medical Journal Instagram profile

World Health Organization: Role, Functions, and Global Impact on Health

World Health Organization: Role, Functions, and Global Impact on Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN agency working to promote global health, prevent diseases, and respond to emergencies. With 194 member states, it sets medical standards, supports research, and improves healthcare access worldwide. This blog explores WHO’s role, functions, achievements, challenges, and its lasting impact on public health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is one of the most important organizations in the world when it comes to protecting and improving people’s health. It works with almost every country to make sure that everyone has the chance to live a healthy life. From preventing diseases to helping during emergencies, WHO plays a key role in shaping global health policies and providing medical guidance.

Founded on 7 April 1948, WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, and it currently has 194 member states. Over the years, WHO has helped control major diseases, supported health education, and encouraged countries to work together for better healthcare.

Role of the World Health Organization

The WHO acts as the global health leader. Its main role is to bring countries together to solve health problems that affect people worldwide. Some of its core responsibilities include:

  • Setting International Health Standards

    WHO develops guidelines, protocols, and recommendations that countries can follow to improve healthcare quality and safety. For example, it provides rules for vaccination schedules (future of vaccines), medical treatments, and disease prevention.

  • Monitoring Global Health Trends

    WHO collects and analyses health data from around the world. This helps to identify patterns, track disease outbreaks, and prepare for future health risks.

  • Providing Technical Support

    The organization offers training, expertise, and resources to countries that need help in improving their healthcare systems.

  • Coordinating Emergency Responses

    During health emergencies like pandemics, natural disasters, or outbreaks of deadly diseases, WHO helps organize international efforts to control the situation quickly.

  • Promoting Health for All

    WHO works to reduce health inequalities and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has access to essential healthcare services.

Functions of the World Health Organization

The WHO’s work is broad and covers almost every aspect of public health. Some of its key functions are:

  • Disease Control and Prevention

    It works to prevent and control diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and polio. WHO also supports vaccination programs worldwide.

  • Research and Knowledge Sharing

    WHO supports medical research and shares important findings so that healthcare professionals across the world can learn and improve their practices.

  • Health Policy Development

    It helps governments create health policies that are effective, affordable, and sustainable.

  • Setting Safety Standards for Medicines and Food

    WHO ensures that medicines, vaccines, and even food products meet global safety and quality standards.

  • Health Education

    The organization develops educational campaigns to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, nutrition, disease prevention, and sanitation.

Global Impact of the World Health Organization

The WHO has made a huge difference in global health over the past decades. Some examples of its impact include:

1. Eradication of Smallpox

Smallpox was one of the deadliest diseases in human history. In 1967, WHO launched a global vaccination campaign. By 1980, the world was declared smallpox-free — a success story often cited in public health history.

2. Polio Reduction

Polio once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year. Thanks to mass immunization drives and surveillance, global polio cases have dropped by over 99%.

3. Fighting Pandemics

WHO has led responses to multiple pandemics, including bird flu, COVID-19, Ebola, and SARS.

4. Improved Access to Medicines

WHO works to negotiate lower drug prices and promote the use of quality-assured pharmaceuticals.

5. Promotion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

WHO supports governments in building affordable healthcare systems and ensuring equitable distribution of services.

Challenges Faced by WHO

Even though WHO has achieved many successes, it also faces challenges such as:

  • Limited funding compared to the size of global health problems.
  • Political pressure from member states.
  • Difficulty in reaching remote or conflict-affected areas.
  • Managing misinformation during health crises.

The World Health Organization is a vital part of global health. Its role in setting health standards, fighting diseases, responding to emergencies, and promoting health equality cannot be overstated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the main purpose of the WHO?

The main purpose of the WHO is to promote health, prevent diseases, and ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare services worldwide.

2. Where is the WHO headquarters located?

The headquarters of the WHO is in Geneva, Switzerland.

3. How many countries are members of WHO?

WHO has 194 member states, which work together to improve global health.

4. What are some major achievements of WHO?

Some of WHO’s major achievements include the eradication of smallpox, the reduction of polio cases, and the global fight against diseases like malaria and other public health threats.

5. How is WHO funded?

WHO is funded by contributions from its member states and donations from other organizations and partners.

6. How does WHO respond to health emergencies?

WHO coordinates international efforts by providing guidelines, sending medical teams, delivering supplies, and supporting affected countries during outbreaks, disasters, or pandemics.

7. Is WHO part of the United Nations?

Yes. WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations.

8. Can WHO make laws?

No. WHO does not have the power to make laws. It issues recommendations and guidelines, which countries can choose to follow.

Recommended Read:

Contact Medical Journal: IMJ Health:

  • Website: www.imjhealth.org
  • Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Kusum Lata Gaur | MBBS, MD(PSM), CIC (IGNOU), PGCHFWM (NIHFW) (WHO Fellow IEC)
    Professor, PSM & Member of Research Review Board | SMS Medical College, Jaipur (Rajasthan) India
  • Editor-in-Chief Email ID: info@imjhealth.org
  • General Support Email: info.imjh@gmail.com
  • Contact us on WhatsApp: Chat Now : +91-7665235235

If you are working on drug discovery, clinical trials, or pharmaceutical technology, consider submitting your research to IMJ Health to reach a wider audience and make an impact in the field of medicine.