World Health Organization

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.

In the 21st century, health is a shared responsibility, involving equitable access to essential care and collective defence against transnational threats.

The role of WHO in public health
The Organization's core functions

The WHO agenda
A six-point agenda to improve public health

Resources and planning
Budget, fund sources and expenditures

History of WHO
Origin of WHO and historical resources

World Health Report
Report on global public health issues and key statistics

Multilingualism and WHO
Speaking health in the world's languages

How to Reach World Health Organization

World Health Organization
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland

Tel.: + 41 22 791 21 11
Fax: + 41 22 791 31 11
E-mail: info@who.int
Web: www.who.int