WHO - the World Health Organization & Public Health

What is the World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health? (Definition)

WHO or World Health Organization or World Health Organisation is the United Nations specialised agency for health, established on 7 April 1948. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined in WHO's Constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

The WHO six-point agenda to improve Public Health?

WHO operates in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape. The boundaries of public health action have become blurred, extending into other sectors that influence health opportunities and outcomes. WHO responds to these challenges using a six-point agenda. The six points address two health objectives, two strategic needs, and two operational approaches. The overall performance of WHO will be measured by the impact of its work on women's health and health in Africa.

1. Promoting development
2. Fostering health security
3. Strengthening health systems
4. Harnessing research, information and evidence
5. Enhancing partnerships
6. Improving performance

Report, Policy and Statistics on Public Health by World Health Organization

Progress on public health-related MDGs

* Some 27% fewer children died before their fifth birthday in 2007 than in 1990.
* Maternal mortality has barely changed since 1990.
* 27 countries reported a reduction of up to 50% in the number of malaria cases between 1990 and 2006.
* The number of people with access to safe drinking-water
rose from 4.1 billion in 1990 to
5.7 billion in 2006.