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 development2.
Fostering health security3.
Strengthening health systems4.
Harnessing research, information and evidence5.
Enhancing partnerships6.
Improving performanceReport, 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.
