The World Health Organization is often in the headlines during a disease outbreak. Knowing what it is set up to do helps make sense of those stories, and of the recommendations it issues.
A UN agency for health
According to its own description, WHO was founded in 1948 and is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. Its stated aim is that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
Three main areas of work
WHO describes its work in three broad parts:
leading global efforts to expand universal health coverage
directing and coordinating the world's response to health emergencies
promoting healthier lives, from pregnancy care through to old age.
Where it works
WHO works with 194 Member States across six regions and has a presence in more than 150 locations. It collaborates with governments, civil society, international organisations, foundations, researchers and health workers.
Reading WHO news carefully
When a story mentions WHO, a few questions help. Is WHO issuing guidance, declaring an emergency, or reporting data? Who is the guidance for: governments, health workers or the public? And what do Australian health authorities advise for people here? In Australia, health rules and advice come from Australian governments, which often draw on WHO information but make their own decisions.
About the author
RullikClear, sourced explainers on Australia and the world
Rullik is the pen name of the founder of Australia Illuminate (Auslume). Rullik writes plain-language explainers on life in Australia, from immigration, study and work to money, sport and screen culture, always linking to the official sources behind each story. Every story is reviewed before publication.
More from Rullik ↗This article was prepared with AI assistance.
