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What is the news?
The United States is set to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) after completing the mandatory one-year notice period, despite widespread concerns over the impact on global health governance, pandemic preparedness, and U.S. public health interests.
About the World Health Organization (WHO)
- The specialised health agency of the United Nations.
- Responsible for:
- Coordinating international public health
- Responding to health emergencies
- Setting global health standards
- Objective: Achieve the highest attainable standard of health for all peoples.
Establishment & Headquarters
- Established: 7 April 1948 (observed as World Health Day)
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Membership: 194 Member States
Historical Background
- Originated from International Sanitary Conferences (1851–1938).
- Absorbed the League of Nations Health Organization after World War II.
- Key achievements:
- Eradication of smallpox
- Near-eradication of polio
- Leadership during Ebola outbreaks
- Global coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic
Core Functions of WHO
- Global health leadership: Coordinates responses to pandemics and epidemics.
- Standard setting: Develops norms like:
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
- International Health Regulations (IHR)
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Advocates equitable access to health services.
- Technical assistance: Policy advice, capacity building, health systems support.
- Data & surveillance: Global health statistics, early-warning alerts.
