10/3/2026
The purpose of the World Health Organization (WHO) is to promote health, protect people from health emergencies and help everyone achieve the highest possible level of health. WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for international public health and works with countries and partners around the world.
WHO has a broad international health mandate.
Its work includes:
WHO describes its work around three broad objectives: expanding universal health coverage, protecting people from health emergencies and promoting better health and well-being.
Universal health coverage means that people should be able to obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
WHO works with governments to improve access to quality essential health services.
This can involve strengthening primary health care, improving health financing, developing health workforces and increasing access to medicines and health products.
WHO works internationally to prepare for, detect and respond to health emergencies.
Emergencies can include disease outbreaks, pandemics, natural disasters, conflicts and situations involving displaced populations.
WHO can coordinate international health responses, provide technical expertise and support governments and partners with medical supplies, health information and other assistance.
WHO is primarily an international public-health organization rather than a conventional hospital or healthcare provider.
Its role is largely to coordinate, advise, establish standards, provide technical assistance and support countries in strengthening their health systems.
In emergencies, WHO can also support the delivery of health services through operational partnerships and response programmes.
Many health challenges cross national borders.
Infectious diseases can spread internationally, while issues such as antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health risks and pandemics require cooperation between countries.
WHO provides an international framework for governments and health partners to coordinate their responses.
The purpose of WHO is to promote global health, expand universal health coverage, coordinate international responses to health emergencies and support healthier lives. It works with countries around the world to strengthen health systems and address both immediate and long-term public-health challenges.
WHO – About WHO
WHO – What We Do
WHO – Frequently Asked Questions
Unchannel - 10/3/2026