9/13/2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has 194 Member States. These Member States work together through the WHO to promote global health, strengthen health systems, respond to health emergencies and improve access to health services.
WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It was founded in 1948 and is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
WHO works with governments, international organizations, health professionals, researchers and other partners to improve health outcomes worldwide.
Its mission is broadly focused on promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving vulnerable populations.
According to WHO's current official information, there are 194 Member States.
WHO's country directory lists its Member States and groups them into six geographical regions:
African Region
Region of the Americas
South-East Asia Region
European Region
Eastern Mediterranean Region
Western Pacific Region
The number 194 is particularly important because it is sometimes confused with the United Nations' membership of 193 Member States.
WHO and the UN are closely connected, but their memberships are institutional matters governed by their respective rules.
WHO has several major responsibilities.
Global health leadership
WHO provides leadership and coordination on international public health issues.
Health emergencies
The organization coordinates international responses to major health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, humanitarian crises and other public health threats.
Universal health coverage
WHO works to expand access to quality health services and promote universal health coverage.
Health standards and guidance
WHO develops technical guidance, standards, recommendations and evidence-based policies for governments and health professionals.
Disease prevention
WHO works on communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, vaccination, nutrition, mental health and many other areas of public health.
WHO's Member States participate in the World Health Assembly, which is the organization's highest decision-making body.
Delegations from all Member States meet through the Assembly to establish priorities, approve policies and guide the organization's work.
The Member States also elect the WHO Director-General.
The WHO Secretariat then supports implementation of the decisions and programmes adopted by the organization's governing structures.
WHO works with all 194 Member States, but its operational presence varies from country to country.
WHO states that its Secretariat operates through headquarters in Geneva, six regional offices and locations in more than 150 countries.
Therefore, "194 Member States" does not mean that WHO maintains an identical-sized office or programme in every country.
Health threats frequently cross borders. Infectious diseases, pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health risks and other public health challenges cannot always be managed effectively by one country alone.
WHO provides a platform through which governments can coordinate their responses and share scientific information, technical expertise and public health practices.
The World Health Organization has 194 Member States. It is the United Nations' specialized health agency and works globally to promote health, strengthen health systems, coordinate emergency responses and help countries achieve the highest attainable standard of health.
WHO – Who We Are
WHO – Frequently Asked Questions
WHO – Countries and Member States
WHO – About WHO
Unchannel - 9/13/2026