World Health Organization
                     WORLD HEALTH 
ORGANIZATION
INTRODUCTION
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health 
within the United Nations system. 
It is responsible for providing leadership on global health 
matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms 
and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, 
providing technical support to countries and monitoring and 
assessing health trends.
Source: www.un.org
WHO AGENDA
WHO operates in an increasingly complex and rapidly 
changing landscape. The boundaries of public health action 
have become blurred, extending into other sectors that 
influence health opportunities and outcomes.
Source: www.un.org
PROMOTING 
DEVELOPMENT
During the past decade, health has achieved unprecedented 
prominence as a key driver of socioeconomic progress, and 
more resources than ever are being invested in health. 
Yet poverty continues to contribute to poor health, and poor 
health anchors large populations in poverty.
Source: www.un.org
FOSTERING HEALTH 
SECURITY
Shared vulnerability to health security threats demands 
collective action. One of the greatest threats to international 
health security arises from outbreaks of emerging and 
epidemic-prone diseases.
Source: www.un.org
STRENGTHENING 
HEALTH SYSTEMS
For health improvement to operate as a poverty-reduction 
strategy, health services must reach poor and underserved 
populations. Health systems in many parts of the world are 
unable to do so, making the strengthening of health systems 
a high priority for WHO.
Source: www.un.org
 HARNESSING RESEARCH, 
INFORMATION AND 
EVIDENCE
Evidence provides the foundation for setting priorities, 
defining strategies, and measuring results. 
WHO generates authoritative health information, in 
consultation with leading experts, to set norms and 
standards, articulate evidence-based policy options and 
monitor the evolving global heath situation.
Source: www.un.org
ENHANCING 
PARTNERSHIPS
WHO carries out its work with the support and collaboration 
of many partners, including UN agencies and other 
international organizations, donors, civil society and the 
private sector.
Source: www.un.org
IMPROVING 
PERFORMANCE
WHO participates in ongoing reforms aimed at improving its 
efficiency and effectiveness, both at the international level 
and within countries. WHO aims to ensure that its strongest 
asset – its staff – works in an environment that is motivating 
and rewarding. 
Source: www.un.org
THE ROLE OF WHO IN 
PUBLIC HEALTH
• Providing leadership on matters critical to health and 
engaging in partnerships where joint action is needed
• Shaping the research agenda and stimulating the 
generation, translation and dissemination of valuable 
knowledge
• Setting norms and standards and promoting and 
monitoring their implementation
• Articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options;
• Providing technical support, catalyzing change, and 
building sustainable institutional capacity; and
• Monitoring the health situation and assessing health 
trends.
Source: www.un.org
THANK YOU