10/16/2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for international public health. Its Constitution establishes its objective as the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health and sets out the organization's functions.
While WHO performs many activities, its major functions can be summarized into ten broad areas.
WHO provides a framework for countries to cooperate on international health issues. It brings governments and health partners together to coordinate responses to challenges that cross national borders.
WHO provides technical advice and expertise to countries developing health policies, legislation, strategies and programmes.
It helps governments strengthen national health systems and improve public-health outcomes.
WHO plays a major role in international health emergency preparedness and response.
This includes supporting countries during outbreaks, pandemics, humanitarian emergencies and other public-health crises.
WHO develops recommendations, standards, technical guidance and frameworks that help countries improve health services and public-health practices.
International standards are particularly important when diseases, medicines and health risks cross national borders.
WHO collects, analyzes and publishes health information from around the world.
This helps governments, researchers and international organizations understand trends involving diseases, mortality, health systems and other indicators.
WHO supports international efforts to prevent and control infectious and noncommunicable diseases.
Its work includes vaccination, disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many other health challenges.
WHO supports the goal that everyone should be able to access the health services they need without experiencing financial hardship.
This includes strengthening primary healthcare, health financing, medicines access and health-system capacity.
WHO promotes and coordinates health research and supports the development and sharing of medical, scientific and public-health knowledge.
Evidence is essential for developing effective health policies.
WHO works with countries on issues involving healthcare workers, including workforce planning, training, skills development and retention.
Strong health systems require sufficient numbers of appropriately trained health professionals.
WHO promotes healthier lives by addressing factors that influence health, including nutrition, mental health, environmental risks and social determinants.
Its work goes beyond treating disease to include prevention and health promotion.
The WHO Constitution provides the legal foundation for these activities. It establishes WHO as the UN specialized agency for health and defines its objective, functions, governance structure and principles.
The Constitution also recognizes health as a fundamental human right and emphasizes international cooperation.
Health problems do not stop at national borders.
Infectious diseases can spread internationally, medicines and health technologies operate across global markets, and climate and environmental changes can affect populations in multiple countries.
WHO helps countries coordinate their responses and share expertise.
The ten broad functions of WHO include coordinating international health work, supporting governments, responding to emergencies, developing standards, collecting health data, preventing disease, promoting universal health coverage, supporting research, strengthening health workforces and promoting health and well-being.
Unchannel - 10/16/2026