The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations specialized agency for health, oficially began operations on April 7, 1948 , following the signing of it’s Constitution on July 22, 1946, two years earlier.  The “WHO’s objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. [1]

Health is defined in WHO’s Constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

The Technical Preparatory Committee for the International Health Conference suggested the name “World Health Organization”.

  • The WHO is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system.
  • “WHO is governed by 192 Member States through the World Health Assembly (WHA). The Health Assembly is composed of representatives from WHO’s Member States.”
  • “The main tasks of the World Health Assembly are to approve the WHO program and the budget for the following biennium and to decide major policy questions.”
  • Today NGO’s are allowed to participate, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which in turn provides influence over the projects.
  • Nothing in the WHO Constitution “commits the United States to enact any specific legislative program”, the same likely applies to all Member States who signed up.
  • USA is largest donor to the WHO, followed by BMGF
  • April 7th is now known as World Health Day

Organisation’s Objective:

  • 1946 International Health Conference document
  • 2002: WHO’s objective “as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined…as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
  • 2020:  WHO strives “to combat diseases” with their overriding ‘weapon’ of vaccinating everyone.

Australia:

  • Australia’s delegate “Dr Tange” proposed in 1946 to locate the WHO at the UN Headquarters.
  • Australia is an active Member State of the WHO.
  • WHA is Attended by Chief Medical Officer and the Federal Health Minister.
  • Health Minister Greg Hunt’s statement to WHA May 2020.

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